Clara L. Oakes

Clara L. Oakes

Clara L. Oakes, 90, of Springfield passed away on August 9, 2015 in Springfield, MO.

Clara (Starkey) Oakes was born to Charles and Inez (Perkins) Starkey on January 31, 1925. On June 29, 1944, Clara married Byron Oakes and moved to Springfield, MO. She was married to her sweetheart, Byron "Barney" for over 69 years. He passed away on October 22, 2013. Clara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a very frugal person because she lived through the Depression and always thought of herself last. She left a Godly legacy for her family for which they are eternally grateful. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

She is survived by her loving family, daughter Byrna and husband Mark Scillian; daughter Valerie and husband Louie Melton; sister Wilma Quick; brother Jack Starkey and wife Char; grandchildren Heather Hill, Erin Claspell and Laura Kidwell, Carissa Gregory and Rachelle Combs and their spouses; fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

We will miss you Mother and will never forget you! As you always told us, "We love you to pieces."

A special thanks to her caregivers at Visiting Angels, The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek, Good Shepherd Hospice and two special caregivers, Priscilla and Karen for their loving care.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., August 22, 2015 at Maranatha Chapel with Chaplain Darryl Paddock officiating and music by R.C. "Happy" Hopper. Interment will be private at a later date at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com