Lisa Marie Oakes

Lisa Marie (Levenhagen) Oakes, 61, of La Porte, passed away peacefully after an extended battle against cancer on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with her life partner and brother at her side.
Lisa was born January 6, 1964 in La Porte, IN to John and Lois (Boyce) Levenhagen, as the youngest of five siblings.
Lisa didn't have children of her own, but poured her love into her 9 nieces and nephews along with 19 great nieces and nephews. She always came to family events, birthdays and holidays with gifts for all the children in her life. When gathering information about Lisa to share, every person recalled her gift giving to the younger kids. To them, Auntie Lisa was full of fun!
Along with the love for her family, Lisa rescued many dogs and cats over the years - loving all of them with her whole being. Some of her most recent were Winnie, Bailey, Dixie and Callie Kitty. They meant everything to her, and if they could talk, they'd tell you how much she will be missed!
Other loves in Lisa's life were kayaking - it is said she found her peace paddling around Pine and Stone lakes, especially loved going through the channel. She and Marty enjoyed camping, music and a good party! Lisa also had a talented creative side. She loved flowers and gardening, often giving her flowers to friends. She enjoyed cross stitch, making various items to sell at the farmer's market and painting rocks - also giving her work as gifts to those she loved. Lisa loved tie-dye and thought everyone should wear it, and one of her absolute favorite things to do was dressing up for Halloween. Boy, did she have some good ones!!
Lisa lived a simple life without many material possessions, but what she had or obtained, she was happy to share with others. Often a recipient of extra clothes or shoes, she shared what she couldn't use. Anyone who knew Lisa, knew she had a big, generous heart!
Spiritually speaking, Lisa loved Jesus Christ. She wasn't an avid church goer, but never denied loving Jesus, and in her last days talked of forgiveness and the hope that comes with knowing the Lord as Savior. She passed with the knowledge that she would live on in eternal grace.
Lisa lived in La Porte her entire life, so had many friends who have shared in the grief of her passing. To her friends, she had a fun-loving personality filled with generosity, compassion and love. Although it would have been in alignment with Lisa's life to have a wake or a celebration of life, she didn't want a big deal made of her passing. She wanted to keep it simple.
Lisa is survived by her life partner, Martin (Marty) Ringla, her sister, Debra (Levenhagen) Noë (Bill) of Lexington KY, three brothers, Les Levenhagen (Nancy) of La Porte, Larry Levenhagen (Jan) of Fostoria, OH, Mark Levenhagen (Kelly) of Valparaiso, IN and all those nieces, nephews, dogs and kitty mentioned above.
Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lois Levenhagen of La Porte along with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends who will undoubtedly be celebrating with her now.
Lisa's immediate family will be privately spreading her ashes in remembrance of her.
Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte (219) 362-3100 is caring for her arrangements.
Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
If one is moved to make a donation to honor Lisa's life, please consider the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 West State Road 2, La Porte, Indiana, 46350 or Dunes Hospice Care at www.duneshospicellc.com/donate.