May 15, 2022

On May 15 we lost our precious mom, Deanna (Dee) Ailes, at the age of 78. Besides being an amazing mom/sister/aunt/grandmother/great-grandmother/friend/neighbor, she was also very much a part of her community.

She may have been seen on one of her daily walks, saying hello to neighbors and strangers alike, and cheerfully picking up any trash along the way. She loved living in La Crescenta where she raised her four children with their dad Larry in their first tiny house on Mayfield Avenue. After all the kids grew up they later moved up the mountain to their house on Starfall Drive. There she made her yard a virtual botanical garden and an oasis for family and friends to enjoy.

She absolutely loved her Starfall house and entertaining family and friends there. Nothing made her happier than having her family, friends, kids and grandkids around. She was truly a mom, grandma and great-grandma to the core.

She also worked in La Crescenta as a floral designer for decades and, even after retiring, stayed active on that front. She and her dear friend Patty took on the happy responsibility of caring for the plants and greenery on the patio of local Montrose restaurant Ocean View Bar and Grill where they would prune, plant, water and fuss over the patio to create a beautiful place for customers to gather.

One of her favorite places by far was Descanso Gardens where she would regularly go to be surrounded by a slew of kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces, etc. – many of whom affectionately knew her as “Ya”. She loved Descanso and spending time with her family and was a longtime member.

She was preceded in this journey 10 years ago by Larry, who was the love of her life.

Mom leaves behind two sisters, Dorene and Laurie; four children (Larry Jr., Mike, Todd and Jennifer); grandchildren Jeremy, Heather, Mike, Khali, Rhiannon and Tomo, as well as her great-grandchildren Walker, Tiger and Radley. All had a special relationship with her because she adored each and every one – and she made sure they knew it. Her close circle of friends was also dear to her and she cherished them.

We thank her for always being a true role model of what a mom should be. We are all better humans because of her and we will miss her dearly, never forgetting the love she showed us all.