Eleanor Martin Oakes

Eleanor Martin Oakes, 95, of Parkersburg died on June 22, 2017 at her home following a long battle with congestive heart failure.She was born in Parkersburg on July 5, 1921, the only daughter of the late P. T. and Inez Martin.She and her late husband, William E. Oakes, formerly owned and operated Oakes Radiator Shop for 56 years which they established in 1945.She was the office manager/bookkeeper until she sold the business after her husband died.She was a 1939 graduate of Parkersburg High School. Eleanor was an active member of First Christian Church at Washington and Latrobe Streets from age eleven until her death.She served her church in a variety of ways as a Deaconess, Member of the Board and the Guild, assisting in the nursery and helping her daughters participate in a myriad of church activities and achieve receiving pins for each of their thirteen years of perfect attendance.Her parents were among the Charter Members of First Christian Church. She was also active in the Women’s Club of Parkersburg, Lambda Chi Omega Sorority and the Woman’s Association at Worthington Golf Course where she was an avid golfer. Her spirit was kind and thoughtful and her sense of humor was contagious.She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, William Oakes, her son-in-law, Larry Walton, who died recently, her parents, and her two brothers, Paul Martin formerly of Titusville, FL and Lt. George C. Martin, a Navy Air Force Pilot who was lost at sea when the plane he was flying was bombed down in the Mindora Straights during WWII. She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn A. Oakes of Little Hocking and Connie Oakes Walton of Baltimore, MD, grandson, Eric (Kate) Walton, and their daughter, Laura of Dexter, MI, grandson Jason (Emily) Walton and their son, Sebastian, and their daughter, Isla of Seattle, WA, and granddaughter, Lisa Jennae Smith and her son, Conner of Baltimore, MD. During her extended homebound illness she expressed her gratitude and affection for her church contact, Sandy McKinney, the Amedisys Hospice capable and loving caregivers, Michelle, Victoria, Margie, Anita, Donna, Kim, Carolyn and Morgan, as well as caring TLC staff, especially Missy and Kathy.Their essential assistance and that of her daughter’s dear friends, Pat Martin, Sally Harris and Martha Peters were also emotionally supportive gifts for her 24/7 caregiving daughter. In accordance with her wishes, there will be a Graveside Service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery and a future Memorial Service that will be arranged at the convenience of the family. Memorial Donations may be made to the General Fund of First Christian Church at 1400 Washington Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101 or to Amedysis Hospice, 2200 Grand Central Ave #102 Parkersburg, WV 26105, or a charity of choice. Kimes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.kimesfuneralhome.com