Martha Louise Oakes

Martha Louise Oakes, age 83, of New Dawn Retirement Center at Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, passed peacefully, Sunday, February 16, 2014.

A daughter of the late Denny and Elizabeth (Elmore) Schooley, Martha was born at Mansfield, Ohio on December 7, 1930.

She graduated from Mansfield Senior High and on February 16, 1952, married Robert L. Oakes. Together the couple reared two children and celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to Bob’s passing on May 3, 2013.

In 1977 the family relocated to Tuscarawas County and became active members of Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia. Martha enjoyed a number of activities at the church that included, singing in the church choir, serving as the chairperson of the Bishops Annual Appeal, being a Eucharistic Minister, decorating the church for liturgical seasons and being a member of the Sacred Heart Senior Citizens. Aside from her active church life, Martha was a devoted member of the New Philadelphia Kiwanis where she was in charge of sending greeting cards to members and volunteering for other activities within the group. Martha also served as the Past President of Welcome Wagon, sang as a member of the Sweet Adeline’s, and for a number of years, volunteered for Share-A-Christmas and supported Community Hospice.

Martha is survived by her children, Penney (husband, Walter) Zartman of Dennison and Robert “Bob” (wife, Carol) Oakes of Green, Ohio and a sister, Jean Myers of Mansfield, Ohio.

She will be missed by her four grandchildren; Dr. Lauren (husband, Eric) Fuller, Nichole Oakes all of Brecksville, Ohio, Luke Oakes of Findlay, O. and Sgt. E5, Dennis (wife, Jessie) Oakes of Lumber Bridge, NC, four step-grandchildren; Melissa Zartman of Middlebranch, O. Bradley Zartman of Sharon Center, O. Dr. Gregory Zartman of Westfield Center, O. and Elizabeth (Brett) Richards of Columbus, O. and five great-grandchildren, Aden, Nathan, Caleb, Ethan and Harper, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Martha was preceded in death by two sisters, Marylu Kircher and Barbara Ritzhaupt.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where a Christian Wake Service will begin at 6:45 PM. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 10:30 AM in the Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia. Burial alongside her husband will take place in the Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following services, all are invited to return to St. Ambrose Hall, adjacent to the church for a time of food and fellowship.

The family requests memorial contributions in Martha’s name be directed to Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to the Susan G. Komen, Attn: Donor Services PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Martha by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.