View Onalee Baker Oakes's Obituary and express your condolences

Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

Scott, I knew Onalee through my years in education and also playing piano at Maplecrest. She was a very intelligent lady. We talked education many times when I was there to play in Fayette. I, too, am starting my 47th year in eduction this year. We have many things in common. We both loved kids and wanted to see them love learning. Please know that 4 years after her passing, she is not forgotten. David Poggenklass Guttenberg, Ia.

David Poggenklass

September 18, 2021 | Friend

My deepest sympathy to the family of Onalee. I had the pleasure of meeting her through my entertaining at Maplecrest Manor in Fayette. She & I had many great talks about education, as I was a teacher for 33 years, also. Each time I played, she would ask me what I had taught recently & what interesting stories I had to tell her. She truly was a "special lady". I will always treasure our friendship & miss her each time I play.

David Poggenklass

September 27, 2017 | Guttenberg, IA

My deepest sympathies and prayers to Onalee's family. May she rest in peace.

Bob Ziegler

September 27, 2017 | East Peoria, IL

Onalee was one of a kind. She was strict when she needed to be, but yet you knew she truly cared about you! I was fortunate enough to have Onalee as superintendent at West Central. I remember her as always having a smile on her face and making me smile on the rough days. She truly is an Angel!

Carol (Arnold) Schulmeister - Class of '86

September 26, 2017 | Stanley,, IA

To Mrs. Baker's family and friends: I am deeply sorry for your loss. She inspired my interest in math when I was in junior high at West Central in the early 1960's. My father, WP Truesdell, who was Superintendent at the time, held her in high esteem for her knowledge, professionalism, and rapport with students. He was overjoyed when she became Superintendent.

Rebecca (Truesdell) Davies

September 26, 2017 | Anchorage, AK

So sorry to hear of Onalee's passing. What a legacy she left on all the school kids while she was at West Central. I graduated in'71 and still remember her love,kindness and thoughtful ways to this day.

Mary Allison

September 26, 2017 | Grinnell, IA

My sympathy Scott, Dayna, and family. Onalee was a woman before her time in the work place and a wonderful role model to many generations of her students and community. We are all better for having known her. Although a tough tasker maker she cared deeply about her school, students and community, as well as being a proud and loving mom. She was a one of a kind lady and will be missed.

Michele Weyant

September 25, 2017 | Eldridge, IA | Friend

Sorry to hear about Onalees passing. I had the pleasure of working with her thru West Central when I was a deputy sheriff. She had a deep love for those kids and they had love and respect for her. A legacy to be proud of.

Rod Russell

September 25, 2017 | Nashua, IA

So sorry to hear of Onalee's passing. I remember her at the farm during our visits from California. My mother, Betty Baker, spoke of her often and always with the highest regard.

Ronda Duncan

September 25, 2017 | Clovis, CA

Onalee's Obituaries

Onalee Baker Oakes, 90, of Maynard, died on Sunday morning, September 24, 2017 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral Service: 4:30 P.M. Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the West Central School Gymnasium, Maynard, with Pastor Julie Ahrens officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Maynard and from 4:00 to 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday at the school.

Interment: Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard, Iowa.

A Memorial Fund has been established for the West Central Playground Equipment Fund.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Onalee JoAnn Coleman was born on January 13, 1927 in Westgate, Iowa, the daughter of Leo Sydney & Vera (Finch) Coleman. She graduated from Maynard High School. Onalee received her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Upper Iowa University in Fayette and her superintendent’s certificate and master degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Onalee began her career in education in 1944 by teaching in a one room schoolhouse near Strawberry Point. She started teaching at West Central in Maynard in 1959. She eventually progressed to elementary principal to junior high principal to high school principal to superintendent for 17 years, retiring after 47 years in education in 1991. Onalee was the only woman superintendent in Iowa when she started her position at West Central. She will be remembered as an educator who really cared about the children, staff and alumni of West Central School.

Onalee was united in marriage to Harvey Dean Baker in 1947. The family lived on their farm near Westgate. Harvey died in 1976. Onalee later married Leland Archer Oakes on November 16, 1979 in Rochester, Minnesota. They lived on an acreage near Randalia for many years. After the death of Lee in 2002, Onalee moved to Maynard and then to Maple Crest Assisted Living in Fayette.

Onalee was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and previously a member of the Order of the Eastern Star both in Oelwein. In her younger years, Onalee enjoyed dancing.

Onalee is survived by her Son: Scott (Dayna) Baker of Maynard;

2 Grandchildren: Caleb (Cara) Baker of Maynard &

Jared (Ali) Baker of Reinbeck;

4 Great Grandchildren: Beckett Baker, Brice Baker, Allen Baker & Olivia Baker and

Several Step-Children, Nieces & Nephews.

Onalee was preceded in death by her Parents, 2 Husbands: Harvey Baker on February 16, 1976 and Lee Oakes on June 25, 2002 and 3 Brothers: Lee Coleman, Lanais Coleman and Rollis Coleman.

Onalee JoAnn Baker Oakes

Guest Book

Obituaries

Onalee's Obituaries