John Raldon Wiles Obituary

John R. Wiles passed away on February 24, in Corona, CA. He was 77. John was the firstborn son of Mildred and Raldon Wiles, both predeceased. John excelled in school, becoming valedictorian in both his Corona Junior High/Corona Senior High School classes. He then received a B.A.(English) from Grinnell College, Iowa. Some of his studies took him to Florence, Italy. He lived in Philadelphia, PA., until 1997, when he returned to Corona, and resided with Mildred Wiles in her last years. He was her principal caregiver until her death in 2017. While living in Corona, he was very active in a “Dictionary Project”, which provided elementary school students with free, personal dictionaries. In 2014, he helped organize a scholarship fund through the national women’s organization, P.E.O., in support of young women pursuing post-graduation educational goals. This fund has subsequently become an annual award at Corona High School, a tribute to Mildred Wiles’ life of teaching and public service. He is survived by his brother, James Thomas Wiles (wife Melissa Bernstrom), who live in Louisville, KY. A private burial service will be held later in the fall. In memory of them both, donations can be made to: P.E.O. Foundation Memo line: Mildred “Mickey” Wiles Scholarship Fund and sent to: Sandy Fielding 23235 Coffee Berry Circle Corona, CA 92883 Donations could also be sent to the A.C.L.U., or a charity of your choice.