SPENCERVILLE — Kerry Ann Oakes, 53, of Spencerville, passed away on Friday, Dec. 21, 2024, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

Kerry was born on Feb. 6, 1971, in Fort Eustus, Virginia, to Floyd “Butch” Check and Rhonda Knepper Truesdale. She graduated from Spencerville High School in 1989 before attending DeVry University for a couple of years. From a young age, she was involved in the food industry. In high school she worked at her family’s restaurant, Farmer’s Table, JB tool in Wapak, then Daman’s and finally being a manager at Applebee’s. While working at Applebee’s, she had a severe spine injury that forced her to retire at an early age. On Feb. 27, 1993, she was united in marriage to Brian Oakes and together they had two children.

It could easily be said that Kerry was one of the kindest and most selfless members in the community. Regardless of any pain she was in, she never said no or turned down the chance to help someone. Kerry was an active member of the VFW Post 6772 Auxiliary and served as secretary, treasurer and Poppy Committee; member of the American Legion Post 191 Auxiliary and served as treasurer; volunteer EMT in Spencerville; and was the president of the PTO in Spencerville for more than 10 years. Aside from the organizations she was involved with, she enjoyed making wedding cakes and tutoring kids.

Kerry is survived by her husband, Brian of Spencerville; children, Danielle Ellen Lee (James) Downey of Kenton and Joshua Brian Oakes of Spencerville; granddaughter, Charlotte Lila Ann Downey; mother, Rhonda (Dennis) Truesdale of Spencerville; father, Floyd (Candy) Check; step-mother, Gwen Fosburgh of Spencerville; and siblings, Jennifer Truesdale of Delphos and Joe Russell Check of Spencerville.

There will be a visitation from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27,with a VFW Auxiliary service to follow at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. Visitation will continue from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. followed by her funeral service starting at 1 p.m. on Dec. 28, also at the funeral home with pastor Andrew J. Atkins officiating.

Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Burial will take place following the funeral at Spencerville Cemetery. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Kerry and her family.