JOYCE D. OAKES

Joyce D. Oakes, 92, of Piqua, passed away at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Piqua Manor Nursing Home. She was born December 12, 1933 in Piqua to the late James Henry and Rosella Mae (Shepherd) Smith.

Joyce is survived by two sons, Howard "Skip" Oakes, and Warren "Cork" (Lou Ellen) Oakes all of Piqua; her former husband, Robert (Mary) Oakes; five grandchildren, Faye Oakes, Cody (Colleen) Oakes, Cassie (Paul) Majestic, Elissa (Charles) Overbee, Chloe (Dawson) Richard, and her bonus grandchild, Seth (Emily) Ellis and family; eight great grandchildren; also numerous other relatives and friends.

Joyce raised the boys on the family farm, and was involved in showing their animals at the Miami County Fair. Joyce worked in the Accounting Department at Hobart Corporation and retired with over 25 years of hard work and dedication. She simultaneously worked at Bob Evans, and enjoyed visiting with her customers that became friends there. She was also involved with the Echo Hills Kennel Club, where she trained dogs and showed her award-winning Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Joyce was a wonderful baker, and she was known for making Coke Cakes for so many friends and acquaintances in the area. In the past she also enjoyed volunteering at High Street School and the JVS to assist the students with reading. Joyce always had a dog in the family, and especially loved her current companion, Happi. She was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and enjoyed gathering with her family to watch their games. Above all else, her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she cherished every moment surrounded by her family. The Oakes family would like to thank her caretaker Tammy Finley for allowing us to keep Mom at home as long as we could, and to Piqua Manor Nursing Home and Legacy Hospice for their compassionate care for Joyce in recent months.

A Celebration of Joyce's life will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are being provided to the family through the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Legacy Hospice. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.