Vivian Evon Niles

Vivian Evon Miller Niles, 81, of Elm Mott, Texas, passed away on January 30, 2026. Born on October 29, 1944 in McGregor, Texas, she was the daughter of William H. and Dora Mae Miller.

Vivian was united in marriage at the age of 17 to the love of her life, Jerry R. Niles Sr., in 1962. Together, they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2010. Vivian would tell you that her greatest achievements in life were her family. She loved her two children, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild with all her heart.

Affectionately known as Granny, Vivian was the seamstress of the family. She lovingly created beautiful wedding and prom dresses, baby clothes, Barbie doll outfits, and Halloween costumes for those she loved. She never turned down a pair of pants that needed hemming or a patch that needed sewing—no matter how last-minute the request. She also enjoyed making quilts and gifting them to family members, each one stitched with love. Granny loved spending time with her family assembling jigsaw puzzles, a passion that brought them together and created lasting memories.

Anyone who knew Vivian knew she was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Her collection of Dallas Cowboys memorabilia grew over the years as family members delighted in gifting her “Cowboys stuff,” all of which she displayed with pride. Her love of Big Red is legendary—from sunup to sundown (and all times in between), she could be found drinking Big Red from her Dallas Cowboys cup, always with a red tongue to prove it.

Vivian is survived by her children: Denise & husband Randy Ragsdale, Jerry Jr. & wife Cynthia Niles; her grandchildren: Rachel Niles Ragsdale, Emily Ragsdale Brown, Sarah & husband Jeremy Kline, Austin & wife Sarah Caldwell, Tyler & wife Sarah Caldwell, Ava Caldwell, and Trey Niles; her great-grandchildren: Autumn Ragsdale & fiancé Gaven Schmidt, Geri Brown, Rylynn Brown, Luke West & his dad Mike West, Ryan Ragsdale, Morgana Caldwell, and Isla Caldwell; and her great-great-granddaughter, Avery Schmidt.

The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional and gentle care provided by the Providence Hospice team—whom we consider family. Teri and Carolyn were truly angels on earth, offering comfort and compassion when it was needed most. Heartfelt thanks also go to Roxanne Miller for sitting with Mom when needed.

Per Vivian’s wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Healthcare of Texas/Providence Hospice or Fuzzy Friends Rescue.

Where Her Heart has Always Been

The morning light was soft and low

The clouds had left an early snow

A peaceful sound was calling low

"It′s time to go"

Then God reached out His tender hand

And gently pulled her home with Him

And brushed away the sorrow from her soul within

And I could hear the roses sing

A bluebird softly claps its wings

The sun seemed brighter than it's ever been

And now she′s dancing in the wind

With her true love again

Where her heart has always been

~ Alan Jackson