Liberty Gaviotis, devoted wife, beloved mother, Yia Yia and friend, fell asleep with the Lord on August 16, 2004 following a lengthy illness. Liberty and her twin sister and best friend Dorothy Ladakis-Kogianes were born on December 10, 1924 in Hanna, Wyoming, the daughter of the late Manuel and Katina Ladakis. Liberty attended schools in Hanna, Wyoming and Murray, Utah and graduated from Murray High School in 1944. She married Joseph M. Gaviotis in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 6, 1955. Together they had four wonderful children, Ellen who died in infancy, Mike, George and Maria. The Gaviotis Family moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1963 and this became Liberty's life long home. Liberty held several part-time positions in the community, but the job that she took the most pride in was that of devoted wife, mother and cherished Yia Yia (grandmother). Her husband, children, and grandchildren were truly her life treasures. Our Mom was a wonderful cook and baker. Family and friends took great pleasure in many Greek Pastries that she made with love and generously shared with all. She was a member of the Pan Cretan Association and a faithful member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Liberty is survived by her devoted and ever-caring husband of forty-nine and a half years, Joseph M. Gaviotis of Rock Springs, Wyoming, two sons Mike "Zeus" Gaviotis and wife Monika and George Gaviotis and wife Jenny all of Rock Springs Wyoming; one daughter Maria Gamvroulas and husband Steven "Telly"; nine grandchildren, Peter, Eleni, Pisti and Elpitha Gamvroulas all of Salt Lake City, Utah, Liberty, Maria, Paula and Andrew Gaviotis, and Sandra Cheeseman of Rock Springs, Wyoming, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Katina Ladakis, one daughter who died in infancy Ellen Gaviotis, her twin sister Dorothy Kogianes, two brothers, Tony and John Ladakis. Funeral services conducted Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 405 "N" Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming. Interment in the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery. Friends may call at the Vase Chapel, Wednesday afternoon and evening until 8:00 p.m. and at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Thursday morning until the time of services. Liberty was a simple and gracious woman who taught her children and grandchildren to first and always believe and have faith in God, to be kind and respectful to others, whether friend or stranger, and to be honest and hardworking. Her unconditional love will stay with us forever. May her memory be eternal.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 8/17/2004.