SIOUX CITY -- Melva Jean Oaks, more commonly known to her family and friends as Jean, 80, of Sioux City, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2009, at her home comforted by family.
Abiding by her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be Friday, September 25, 2009 in Graceland Park Cemetery. Memorial services for Jean will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 26, at Church of All Nations, 3100 West Fourth Street, with the Rev. Martha Anderson officiating. A luncheon with continued fellowship will follow next door at the community room of Goodwill Industries. Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel has assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com.
Jean was born July 2, 1929, in South Sioux City, to Basil O. and Neva G. (Whitsell) Sewell. She received her education at Central High School, graduating with the class of 1947. Jean married Galen E. Oaks on Dec. 23, 1956, in Sioux City. Jean and her husband of more than 50 years were active in many groups, and she has many friends who will remember their involvement in model airplanes, midget and stock car racing, boating and camping at "Minor's Bend," the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the River-Cade patrols, motorhome travel and camping and the Shriner's Vintage Wheels Group.
Jean was gracious, loving and kind. Most people will remember her for the "extra mile" she went in assuring others were well cared for. After Galen's death, she became involved with her High School Reunion Committee, Red Hat Society, Kanduettes, playing Scrabble and in her church. When cancer touched her life, Jean was determined to spread cheer and hope to all the lives she touched, as she believed in the quality of one's life, not the quantity. She loved Sioux City, and it was her explicit wish to remain here until her death.
Jean is survived by her sister, Joyce Merritt of Sioux City; a son, David Lynn Marshall of Hawaii; daughters, Robin Wren of Texas, and Kate Oaks-Gibson of Tennessee; six granddaughters; seven great-granddaughters; and two great-grandsons.
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