Beatrice B. Oakley

STERLING – Beatrice B. Oakley, 95, of Sterling, died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, at Coventry Living Center in Sterling. She was a Stanley home product representative for more than 50 years.

Bea was born Feb. 11, 1916, in Grand Detour, the daughter of Sidney J. and Lula Belle (Shook) Stanbury. She married Thomas Oakley on June 25, 1939, in Sterling. He preceded her in death on July 9, 1971. Bea was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sterling and was active in the Social Circle of the church. She was a member of the Sterling Family Moose, Rebecca Lodge and Royal Neighbors of America. She enjoyed sewing and gardening.

Surviving are nine nieces and nephews including Mike (Lori) Herbon of Rock Falls, Linda Halley of Roscoe, Karen (Jim) Jackson of Arkansas, Roger (Velma) Woodring and Harry (Dale) Woodring, both of Hawaii, Thomas (Ofelia) Woodring of Utah, Viola (Terry) Lenhart of Milledgeville, Beola (Sandy) Sandretto of Arkansas and Joyce Woodring of Wisconsin; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen and Irene; and a brother, Gordon.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m., Monday at McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls. Private burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.