Amy J. Oakes

Amy Joyce (Fleckten) Oakes, 94, passed away, in the company of her family, on Friday, November 1, 2013, at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, ND. Amy was born on November 20, 1918, at Niobe, ND, to Victor and Julia Fleckten. She was the youngest of eight children. After graduating from Kenmare High School, Amy moved to Drayton, ND, and found employment at the Drayton State Bank. It was there she met an engaging customer, Percy Oakes. They were married June 15, 1941, at Niobe, ND. They farmed together in rural Pembina and raised three children: Richard (Kathy) Oakes of Bemidji, MN; Diane (Dave) Peterson of Bismarck, ND; and Susan (Don) Hart of Winnipeg, MB. Amy was active in United Methodist Women, Homemakers, and Eastern Star. Additionally, she was a member of the Joliette United Methodist Church, where she was organist for nearly 70 years. Amy lived on the family farm for 69 years. In 2009, Amy began wintering in Mesa, Arizona. In October 2010, she moved to Tisdale Manor in Drayton, ND, and in May 2013, moved to Edgewood Vista in Bismarck, ND. Amy enjoyed reading, gardening, crossword puzzles, baking, music, and spending time with her large family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Amy made friends wherever she lived and was loved by all. She never had a cross word for anyone. Amy was a very patient, peaceful woman who enriched the lives of all she encountered. She was a very special woman and will be missed by all who knew her.
Amy was preceded in death by her husband, Percy; her parents, Victor and Julia; three brothers; Arthur, Clifford, and Chester; three sisters: Ruth Neve, Lillian Bechtel, Linnea O'Gordon; and two infant grandsons. She is survived by her sister, Helen Fossum, of Lancaster, CA, her three children, nine grandchildren,15 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Grandchildren: Bill (Laurie) Oakes and Bryce (Heather) Oakes of Bemidji, MN; Julie (Michael) Dietrich and Steven (Kara) Oakes of Moorhead, MN; Lorelei (Michael) Anderson of Bismarck, ND; Nicole (Patrick Hanley) Peterson of Highlands Ranch, CO; Christian (Janel) Hart of Bemidji, MN; John (Laure) Hart of Montreal, QC; and Rob Hart of Winnipeg, MB.
Great grandchildren: Landon, Brian, Leanne, Ethan and Genevieve Oakes of Bemidji, MN; Evan and Daniel Dietrich, and Isabella and Braedon Oakes of Moorhead, MN; Noah and Olivia Anderson of Bismarck, ND; Katie, James, and Jessica Hart of Bemidji, MN; and Lily Hart of Winnipeg, MB.
Funeral services will be held at the Pembina Evangelical Free Church, Pembina, ND on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation at the Church for one hour before the time of services, with Pastors Mason Peters and Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will be held at the Hamilton Cemetery, Hamilton, ND. Funeral arrangements with Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND.
She was capably and tenderly cared for by the 4th floor staff at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, ND.
Memorial gifts in her honor may be given to the Pembina County Food Pantry, Haiti Solar Ovens Project, or a charity of your choice.