Leona J. Oakes

Leona was born in Webberville, Michigan. The daughter of Leon and Fannie Spitzer. Leona grew up in Lansing along with her only sibling Doris. In 1941, the family relocated to Perry, MI, where Leona met her future husband, Robert Oakes. They married on Christmas Eve, 1942, in Hopkinsville, KY, where Bob was serving in the United States Army's Camp Campbell. WWII interrupted the newlyweds.

Back in Michigan, Leona went to work at Diamond Rio to manufacture parts for military vehicles. She was able to save enough money to purchase a home in Perry, where, on Bob's return, they started a family. Leona became an accomplished artist and owned Oakes and Acorns, country store, gas and auto repair shop for 19 years. Leona had an eye for real estate. During those years several northern retreats became the respite to "get away from it all" on days off.

Leona spent 20 years residing at Grange Acres. She enjoyed painting and spent time participating in a local group of artists for a number of years. Her husband of 45 years preceded her in death as did her son, Michael. Survivors include her daughter, Marty; and granddaughters, Jeanette Gawrisch and Michelle Gartner; and great-grandsons, Nicholas and Luke Gartner.

Special thanks to Marcia Andrews for caring and dedicating many hours to Leona these pasts years.