Sharon Lea Oakes

Sharon Lea (Overmyer) Oakes of Tolono passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Haven of Tuscola.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 9 A.M. to 11 A. M. at St. Patricks Church Tolono. Funeral mass will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be at St. Patricks Cemetery in Tolono.  Freese Funeral Home, Tolono is assisting with arrangements.

Sharon was born March 5, 1938 in Champaign, the daughter of Paul and Margaret (Pfiefer) Overmyer.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Max E. Overmyer.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years Martin L. Oakes, Jr., they were married May 4, 1957. Also surviving are 

her son Roger (Lori) Oakes of Tolono, daughter Laurie (Steve) Fisher of Tolono, four grandchildren Jordan (Mike) Aquino of Champaign,

Brittany (Anthony) Styczinski of Olathe, KS, McKenzie (Eric) Miles of Pesotum and Lucas Fisher of Oakwood, 7 great-grandchildren and two sister-In-laws

Karen Overmyer and Joanne Millsap.

Sharon graduated from Central High School in 1956.  She was a member of St. Patricks Church of Tolono and Alter and Rosary Society.

She was an election judge for many years.  She loved watching the Illini and Unity Rockets.

She worked at the University of Illinois in her earlier years, the Eisner store in Tolono, was the secretary at the Case IH Store in Tolono, and 

retired from Biddle Lawn Care in Savoy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alter and Rosary Society at St. Patricks Church or Transitions Hospice.

Thank you to everyone at Haven of Tuscola and Transition Hospice for their care and support.

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