Geraldine W. Oakes, 85, of Oak Grove Street, Oil City, passed away at 11:05 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2017 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca, while surrounded by her loving family. 

            She was born in Oil City on May 11, 1932 to the late Harry L. Oakes, Sr. and Mary Bell (Kimes) Oaks. 

            She attended Oil City schools.

            Mrs. Oakes was of the Protestant faith.

            Gerry enjoyed working puzzles, playing cards, coloring books, watching soap operas, and family meals and gatherings, especially around the holidays.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. 

            She worked in the packing department for Foster Forbes Glass Plant until 1976.

            Surviving are two children: James L. Oakes, and Carol Diane Stoltenburg, both of Oil City; six grandchildren: James Oakes and his wife Sara and Dr. Mark Oakes and his wife Jodi, all of Meadville, Steve Stoltenburg and his wife Laurie, Scott Stoltenburg and his wife Cassie, Cindy Stoltenburg and her fiancé Dave Ragon, and Marcie Roberts and her husband Ed, all of Oil City; and ten great-grandchildren:  Russell, Robin, Daniel, Mindy Lou, Reed, Audrey, Gracie, Alexis, Jersey, and Corrina. 

            Also surviving is a sister, Arlene "Lolly" Exley of Rocky Grove; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

            In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Charlie Stoltenburg; three brothers, Charles L. Oakes, Harry L. Oakes, and Clair E. Oakes; and three sisters, Ida M. Sliter, Dorothy M. Carner, and Mary W. Glass.

            Friends and family will be received Monday (Dec. 18) from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township.  A funeral service will be held in the funeral home Tuesday (Dec. 19) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jimmie Turner, pastor of Lighthouse of Praise Church in Fertigs, officiating.  Interment will follow in Lamey Cemetery in Oakland Township, near Dempseytown. 

            Memorial contributions to assist the family with funeral expenses may be made to Hile-Best Funeral Home, P.O. Box 245, Seneca, PA  16346; or donate online by clicking the 'donations' tab above on this obituary listing.

            Condolences to the family may be expressed online by visiting www.hilebest.com

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