Obituary of Nannette K. Oakes

Nannette K. Oakes of Saginaw, Michigan, died on March 12, 2018. She was born Feb. 26, 1938, to L.Z. and Dorothy (Coats) Oakes. She was born in Gratiot county and some of the happiest times in her life were spent with her grandparents, Will and Florence Oakes, on their farm in Edmore, Michigan. From them she learned many practical skills and the value of supportive and consistent love. Nannette went to live with her mother on the west side of the state when her parents divorced. She was seven years old at that time, and she completed all of her education there. She graduated from high school in Hudsonville, Michigan, and completed her B.A. at Western Michigan University. She also completed her Master's degree in counseling at Central Michigan University. Nannette spent virtually all of her career working in the Saginaw Public Schools. She instilled in her students a respect for themselves and for others, and taught them the value of working hard. One of the mottoes she shared with them was, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is your better and your better is your best." Nannette was forced to retire from the Saginaw Public Schools system in the early 1990s due to heart problems. After that, she spent time working as a counselor for Blue Care Network and eventually retired from there. She spent her remaining years traveling, spending time with friends, and doting on her beloved cats. She leaves many friends who will remember her with great affection. Special friends include Devon McCray, Vickie Meacham, Gail Sype, Lu Hale, Ophelia Burrows, Montell Currin, Lynn Boensch, Cindy Stonerock, Maryann Routt, goddaughter Tiarra Donald-McDaniels, and many others. For more information, you may contact Vickie Meacham at 989-906-3052, or Gail Sype at 989-792-0403.