It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Mary Bernadette Hyles (Guyett), who passed on January 11th, 2026, at the age of 73. She passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. As a family, we prayed the Lord's Prayer, the “Our Father” together, honoring the example of steadfast faith she showed throughout her life.

Early Life & Roots

Born on February 16th, 1952, in Trona, California, Mary was the daughter of James Raphael "Ray" Guyett and Olga Angelina Guyett (Shotwell-Rizzardini). Raised in the historic town of Randsburg, she grew up with a deep sense of community and hard work.

A Life of Dedication

Mary was the beloved wife of the late John Albert Hyles, with whom she shared 52 years of love and marriage before his passing in 2024. Together, they built a life defined by loyalty and shared devotion to God and their family.

Mary’s strength in overcoming life’s setbacks was a cornerstone of her character. For example, after she initially left for college, her devotion to family brought her home early to support her mother following the death of her father, Ray.

In her younger years, she worked many side jobs, including at her uncles' businesses in Ridgecrest. She then spent over 30 years at the NWC/AltaOne Credit Union, beginning as a teller and retiring as a Senior Loan Officer—a testament to her determination and sharp mind. She was a hard worker throughout her life and at one point, she worked simultaneously at the Credit Union and the family business, "The Joint," to support her mother, Olga, well into her mothers' nineties.

Faith and Family

A lifelong member of St. Ann’s Church, Mary’s steadfast faith in God was the compass of her life. She ensured her family never missed a Sunday service and instilled those same values in her children.

Because her own childhood vacations were rare due to the demands of the family business, Mary made sure her family took regular vacations together, visiting the Kern River/Lake Isabella, the beach, and June Lake. One memorable vacation as a young family was in 1977, a road trip spanning across Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, and Wyoming. Mammoth Lakes became a tradition when her son Ray started mountain bike racing.

Legacy and Survivors

Mary lived her life fully and to the best of her abilities. She was a woman of sharp intelligence and strong opinions, never hesitating to stand up unapologetically for what was right. Above all, she was a woman of deep faith, loyalty, and love.

She is survived by her three children, Gia (Chuck), Trisha, and Ray (Courtney). Her legacy of faithfulness and strength lives on through her 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loves dearly. She is also survived by her loved brother, Edward Shotwell.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, her parents, Ray and Olga, and her brothers, Charles and Neil. She leaves behind a family that will forever remember her contagious laugh, her meticulous nature, and the steadfast example based on her faith in Jesus that she kept through the very end.

Viewing will be held February 27th at 5pm to 8pm at Holland and Lyons Mortuary (216 S Norma St, Ridgecrest, CA 93555)

Services will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Saint Ann's Church (446 West Church Ave., Ridgecrest, CA, 93555)

A rosary will be held at 10:00AM, preceding the funeral mass at 10:30AM officiated by Father Santiago Iriarte.

Followed by interment at Desert Memorial Park (801 San Bernardino Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555)

Followed by a reception at Monsignor Cleary Parish Hall at St Ann's Church with food, refreshments, and a video as well as a podium available for people to say a few words and share memories of Mary Bernadette.