Martha Oaks

1916 - 2010

Martha Elizabeth Oaks
Sept. 29, 1916 – Nov. 2, 2010
Martha was born on September 29, 1916 in Partsmouth, Virginia. She was raised by her grandmother until she came to California to live with her aunt in San Diego at the age of 13. She graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego.
After high school, she became governess to the 2 children of the Editor of the San Diego Tribune newspaper. It was from the children that she lovingly acquired the nickname "Pinkie". She then worked at Marston and Co. department store in the millenary department until she met and married Kyle William Oaks on November 24, 1938.
Martha was a homemaker and a mother.  She was an avid Bingo player and loved to play the slot machines, especially the parker machines. She was very artistic and creative, sewing for her children when they were growing up. She also made many porcelain dolls when she was in her 60's, 70's, and 80's. She had a flair for painting and sketching and did many charcoal and oil paintings.
She was a member of Unity for over 65 years and always took her daily word with her wherever she went. She read it every morning without fail. She was deeply religious and always had a positive attitude about life and the hereafter.
Throughout her life, and especially in her last year at the Comprehensive Care Center, she never lost her sense of humor. She had a witty personality that endeared her to her family. Whenever the family gatherings included a game or 2 of Trivia, all players wanted Nana on their team because she could answer all the questions especially those in the history category. She moved to Lompoc in 2000 to live with her daughter, Judy.
She is survived by her three children: Judy Blankenship, Patricia Gano of San Diego, and William Oaks of Santa Maria. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Julie (Shaun) Victor, Curtis Kolish, Kenneth Winget, Tim ( Cheryl) Winget, and Mathew and David Oaks. She is also survived by two stepgrandchildren: Frank (Susan) Blankenship and Sherry (Raymond) Cota. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great- grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Kyle William Oaks in 1986 and her mother Sara Jane Hanrahan , her uncle Stew Hanrahan, and her life-long best friend, Ethel Baker.
At her specific request, there will be no funeral services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck– Lind Mortuary. Her ashes will be taken to Fort Rosecrans Cemetery, Point Loma in San Diego, where she will be laid to rest with her husband at a later date.

"So long" Mother, nana, and friend.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.