Wanda D. Oakes

LYNDONVILLE – Wanda D. Oakes, 93, of Lyndonville, NY, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Hospice of Orleans with her loving family at her side.

She was born on May 18, 1930, in Mays, Indiana, the daughter of the late Osro and Mae (Plummer) Draper.

Wanda was raised during the Depression on a small farm in Indiana. After graduating from Mays High School in 1948, Wanda continued her education at Ball State Teachers College, where she met her future husband, James Oakes, on a blind date during a sorority/fraternity mixer. They were wed on December 22, 1950. After the passing of her father-in-law, Leonard, the couple returned to Lyndonville to manage the family farm, which was to be known as LynOaken Farms, while raising their five children.

Wanda was a lifelong member of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church and was well known for her beautiful soprano voice, gracing many weddings and funerals. She loved her time portraying Mrs. Claus for the church Christmas Mini Mall and was an active participant of the Company of the Concerned, visiting the shut-ins and elderly of the community.

Wanda served on the Board at Medina Memorial Hospital for many years as well as TWIGS. After raising her children, Wanda focused on helping out with the family farm on events and during harvest. She had a compassionate and caring nature for her family and community. Wanda was also proud of her Hoosier heritage and maintained a close relationship with her Indiana friends and family. She was an avid reader and NBA fan and had a life-long love of hosting visitors from all over the world including international students from American Field Service.

Wanda is survived by her five children: Darrel (Linda) Oakes, Deborah (Ralph) Oakes, Diane (Rev. Daniel) Thurber, Dana (Paula) Oakes, and Wendy (Darren) Wilson. She also survived by eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband James, who passed in 1998, Wanda is predeceased by two sisters, Anna Louise and Virginia Joyce, and a great-grandson.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St., Lyndonville, NY 14098. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, 102 N Main St, Lyndonville, NY 14098, with the Pastor, Rev. Timothy Schultz, officiating and the Rev. Daniel Thurber co-officiating. The burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wanda’s name to the Lyndonville United Methodist Church or Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.

The Oakes family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and staff at Medina Memorial Hospital, United Memorial, Rochester General, and Hospice of Orleans for their excellent care and compassion.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Wanda at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.