Barbara E. Oakley

Barbara “Barb” Ellen Oakley, 79, passed away on May 23, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born, May 12th, 1945, in Madison at Traux Field Military Hospital, she was the daughter of Robert and Daisy (Phillips) Spellman. Barb attended Menasha High School and graduated in 1963. She married her high school sweetheart, John “Jack” Oakley. They were married November 14, 1964, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton and shared 59 years of marriage. The couple lived in Menasha and raised two beautiful red-headed girls, Sandy and Sindy. Barb was employed for 34 years at Kimberly Clark from 1963 – 1997 as an executive secretary to numerous engineers. 

Barb was a member of Congregational United Church of Christ and Faith United Methodist Church, both, of Neenah, where she volunteered her time in both church’s main offices. She was a proud member of the Neenah Community Band for 32 years, from 1990 through 2022, during which time she also served as the band president. Barb was also a member of the Concert Band and German Band. Her favorite song to play was “Stars and Stripes” by John Philip Sousa.  Her favorite days were those that the band played in the parades and local parks! Barb was also a member of the Menasha Fireman’s Women’s Auxiliary who provided support to local firemen and their families.

Barb enjoyed collecting antiques, traveling to Indiana to visit family, shopping and playing her Alto Saxophone which, she began playing at the age of 9. She will be remembered for her gift of gab, generosity, kindness, and compassion towards the animals she loved. Her knowledge of music, antiques, and sense of humor were second to none!

Barb is survived by her husband John Oakley, daughter Sandy (Michael) Boyer of Appleton and daughter Sindy (Anna Gallagher) Oakley of Green Bay, granddaughter Amanda (Eric) Brandt of Green Bay and grandson Jonathan (Briauna Bonilla) Boyer of Oshkosh, and great granddaughters Evelyn, Nora, Dagney Brandt and great grandsons Otto Brandt and Reid Boyer. She is further survived by her loving furry companion Cooper. She was predeceased by her parents Robert and Daisy Spellman. 

The Memorial Service will be held on June 15, 2024, at 11:00 am at Congregational United Church of Christ Neenah-Menasha, 1511 Nicolet Blvd in Neenah. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00 am until the service begins. Barb will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery, Neenah

Memorial donations may be made to The Neenah Community Band or Congregational United Church of Christ Neenah-Menasha.

Barb’s family would like to thank all of the kind and caring staff at Compassus Hospice in Neenah, for their support during Barb’s final months of life.