Ialeen Oakley

Mary Ialeen (Blanchard) Oakley, age 99, passed away July 10, 2015, at North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO. She was born October 27, 1915, in Wayne County, IA to the union of High and Sara Etta (Porter, Viers) Blanchard. At the age of 5 they moved from Iowa to 4 ½ miles west of Lucerne in the Buchanan Community. On March 24, 1935, she married Don Frederic Oakley and to that union was born two children: Donald Lee and Marietta.

Ialeen leaves one daughter, Marietta (Oakley, Bell, Sailor) Shilt and husband Ronald Gene of Liberty, MO; daughter-in-law Donna Lee (Baughman) Oakley of Lucerne, MO; three grandchildren: John William Bell and wife Elizabeth of Greenwood, MO, Debra Leenette (Oakley, Kirschman) Kenseth and husband Jeremy of Ankeny, IA; and Deedra Leeshelle (Oakley) Robinson and husband David Jeff of Lucerne, MO; two great granddaughters Katlyn Haley (Bell) Hartford and husband Ian of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Mary Ashley Bell of Kansas City, MO; four great grandsons, John Andrew Bell of Liberty, MO, Ryan James Oakley Kirschman and Jesse Ray Kenseth of Ankeny, IA, David Wyatt and Cole Lee Robinson of Lucerne, MO; Elizabeth Bell’s sons, Kyle Logan Wilkerson and wife Katie, daughter Karly Ann and Kurt Landon Wilkerson and wife Liz of Lee’s Summit, MO; John’s brother Andrew James Bell and wife Julie and daughter Natalie. She also leaves one brother-in-law Vern Angel of Burbank, WA. She leaves several step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, step-great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Ialeen was preceded in death by her husband Don in October of 1966, her son Donald in May of 1991, grandson Michael Shawn Oakley in October, 1967, father and mother, one brother, Kleny K. Blanchard, one sister, Bertha Irene (Blanchard) Angel, three half brothers, William Elmer, Dale B. and Willard G. Viers, two half sisters, Mattie E. (Viers, Rick) Cool and Iola (Viers) Stores.

Ialeen grew up around Lucerne and graduated from the Buchanan Grade School and Lucerne High School. As a young girl she often teamed up with her Dad as he played the fiddle and she the banjo. In 1986 Ialeen became the first Queen of the Lucerne Fair. Throughout her life she could always gather a few chuckles with one of her famous readings. Ialeen enjoyed life, especially when she could play a practical joke on someone or tell a funny story or when the neighbors would meet at her house to have a sliding party or play cards.

Ialeen was an active member in the Gravel Ridge Opportunity Club since 1940. She belongs to the Lucerne Christian Church and was an active member of the Lucerne Methodist Church.

Some of her fondest memories were the love and enjoyment of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She looked forward to being with them and doing whatever they wanted to do. It ranged from sliding down hill, playing games, taking care of their pets, fishing, hunting, making doll clothes, blankets, and pillows. There wasn’t’ much Grandma Ialeen wouldn’t do for or with them.

Ialeen was a caring and loving Wife, Grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services for Ialeen Oakley will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 15, with visitation on Tuesday, July 14 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Interment will be at the Lucerne Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Lucerne Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.