Search by Name
Search by Name
Nov. 13, 1931 - July 18, 2017
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Jeanne Oates departed this life on July 18 at her home in Vacaville.
Jeanne was born in Aberdeen, SD, and came to California as a small child. She graduated from South San Francisco High School in June 1949, hand-in-hand with her childhood sweetheart, Richard Oates. They were married on June 10, 1951, and enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. In 1957, they moved to rural Vacaville and raised their three boys, Richard Jr., Dale, and Randy. She worked at the Travis Flight Surgeons' Office at Travis Air Force Base for many years and then as an administrative secretary at the California Medical Facility, retiring from CMF in '91.
At that time, Jeanne and Rich moved to their 60 acres of land in Elk Creek and enjoyed 21 years of life there. She continued to manage the books for her family's Oates' Country Store until 2014. She and Rich returned to Vacaville and settled in Diamond Grove, June 2012.
Besides her love of gathering family together for dinners, swim parties, and birthday celebrations, Jeanne enjoyed learning about new technologies and skills on her computer. In later years, we couldn't always be certain who was the photographer in group shots because she was so skilled at inserting her own image into the frame! She also enjoyed gardening and Hawaiian vacations, taking her last trip there in 2015 to see her granddaughter married overlooking the waters she loved so well.
Jeanne was never happier than when she was surrounded by her family, and we will miss her dry wit, sweet smile, and unconditional love. She is survived by her husband, Richard Oates, Sr.; three sons, Richard (Stephanie), Dale (Traci) of Vacaville and Randy (Kristie) of Winters; sister, Sandee (Jim) Jones of Santa Clara; brother, Rod (Patty) Meiers of Mesa, AZ; sister-in-law, Sharon (Mark) Redmond of Citrus Heights; nephews, Mike and Dennis Bryant; her grandchildren were a special joy, Britney (Todd) Bladel of Encinitas, Meredith (Nathan) Miller of Vacaville, Eric Oates of Long Beach, and Jill Oates of Costa Mesa. She also enjoyed being Gigi to her great-grandson, Jackson Bladel, and a loving aunt to her nieces and nephew Steven Jones, Erica Orellana, and Melissa Sheiman.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life service held in Jeanne's honor in the New Hope Christian Fellowship foyer at 4910 Allison Pkwy, Vacaville, on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received at Opportunity House at opportunityhouse.us or 267 Bennett Hill Ct., Vacaville 95688.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by TheReporter.com.
5 Entries
Richard and family,
Bless you all as you adjust to this unwelcome change in your ives.
You are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Denise Mattson
August 8, 2017
To the family: I worked with Jeanne at CMF and I am sad to hear this news. I have fond memories & shared fun times with this special lady. She will be missed but not forgotten in my heart. With deepest sympathy. ❣
Marie Caron-Lyles
August 6, 2017
Our best wishes and love to family at this time of loss. Mr. and Mrs. Oates used to work the store back in early 80's and I have been a customer since Dec., 1980 to current. Our thoughts with Richard and family, Dale, Randy and all.
Richard & Kimberly Austin
August 1, 2017
All thoughts and prayers go out to the Oates family. Just know that she is looking down and keeping a watchful eye on all of you.
Rose Reed
July 31, 2017
Growing up , "Aunts" & "Uncles" , were just adults us kids didn't really interact with them so much my Aunt Jeanne , broke that idealism!
She genuinely wanted to know what you were doing , what you were into , and generally know all about you! She not only took an interest , she encouraged you to follow your passions.
How could you not love an Aunt like that?
I had the joy of going on some road trips to So.Cal. , with her and family members , in her canary yellow convertible top down the whole ride! ( "What's the point of having it , if you don't use it?" )
She had a wonderful sense of humor , and as a family member , you knew her love was unconditional and always there!
Aloha Aunt Jeanne! You are loved and greatly missed!
Michael Bryant
July 30, 2017
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more