Susan Arlene Viles

A celebration of life for Susan Arlene Viles will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel. Susan passed away on November 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

 Susan was born on November 14, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA, to Louis and Ida (Liverman) Garrett. She moved to Bordentown, NJ, in fourth grade and graduated from William Mac Farland High School in 1963. Known for her love of dancing, she later moved to Tulsa, OK, where on October 11, 1964, she gave birth to her daughter and only child, Denna Lee (Perryman) LaValley. While living in Tulsa and raising her daughter, Susan met Al Viles while he was playing music with his band, Country TNT. Susan caught Al’s eye and attention, and during a break he asked Susan if he could play a song request for her. She requested a song that had just been released, which Al and his band had not yet learned. Al told Susan that if she came back the next week that he would know the song and sing it for her. Al learned the song, Susan showed up and Al requested a kiss for his efforts. Susan and Al were married on July 28, 1978.

 Professionally, Susan worked as a dental lab technician, building crowns and bridges for clients worldwide. Later, while living in Florida, she attended dog grooming college with her best friend, Sandi Jones, and successfully ran her own grooming business. Al’s work led them to Nashville, where they enjoyed frequent trips to Oklahoma to visit their grandchildren. In 2003, they returned to Claremore, OK.

 Susan enjoyed cross-stitching, cared deeply for animals, and cherished her pet parrot of over 40 years. Susan and Denna shared a wonderful Mother-Daughter relationship, and both always looked forward to their many outings. Susan was also passionate about her country and loved celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family.

 Susan was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joseph W. Garrett and Louis E. Garrett; and sisters, Joan M. Garrett and Faye O. Garrett. 

 She is survived by her husband, Al Viles; daughter, Denna LaValley, and her husband Jerry; grandchildren, Kelsi Leigh Hester and husband Jonathan, Jay Delain LaValley and wife Karissa, Sarah Ann LaValley; great-grandson, Trace Wade LaValley, and sister, Sandi Jones.