Norma V. Oakes

NORMA V. OAKES
September 30, 1933 ˜ May 21, 2024

Norma was born in Boone, IA, in 1933, and came west with her parents when she was about six months old.

She leaves behind her husband, Mert J. Oakes; her two daughters, Pam and Cindy Oakes; three grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Norma graduated from the Old Vancouver High School on 26th and Main Street in June of 1951 and married her high school sweetheart, Mert, on June 24, 1951. Norma and Mert first met in sixth grade. They started a serious relationship when they met again in high school and had been married for 73 wonderful years.

Norma received the 1988-89 Volunteer of the Year award for her dedicated efforts to the students and staff at Pleasant Valley Primary School, where she served for eight years as a volunteer.

Norma and Mert had their favorite getaway at Lake Merwin Campers Hideaway where they loved to go boating, barbecuing and spending time connecting with family and friends.

Norma was always there for her family. She assisted her mother and mother-in-law when they were too old to drive as she took them shopping and to appointments. She was also the guardian to her brother who had Down syndrome. When a family member or friend got sick, Norma was always cooking up a feel-good dish for them. Her cooking was the talk of family and friends alike and she was praised for her amazing dishes. At Christmas time, she would line the counters with homemade candies to give to family and friends.

Norma dedicated her life to her family and always saw and believed the best in everyone. What Norma wanted more than anything in life, was for all her family to get along, be happy, healthy and know the Lord.

A service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens at 3 p.m. on June 18.

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