Ella Mae (Spinelli) Oaks "Sherry" "Duke"
Ella Mae was born on July 19, 1927 in Ravenna, Ohio to the late Michael Sr. and Anna Spinelli. She passed away on January 19, 2021 at Long Meadow Care Center in Ravenna.
She is survived by her son, Samuel M. Oaks and his fiancee, Robin Cain; sisters, Anne Surace, Donna Croasmun, and Barb Braden; seven grandchildren, Barry, Michael, Kristopher, Ryan, Sonya, Terry, and James; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Samuel W. Oaks Jr.; son, Terry L. Oaks; brothers, Michael (Chick) Spinelli Jr., Tony Spinelli, Jerry Spinelli; and sister, Mary Blackorby.
Ella Mae loved animals, people, and her careers. She graduated from Ravenna High School in 1946 and worked for many years at Vale Edge. She attended Akron City Nursing School. Ella Mae worked as an RN at Robinson Memorial Hospital and at several doctor's offices. She was a school nurse at Maplewood Career Center. She also worked as a librarian at Kent Free Library. Ella Mae completed Police Officer training in Portage County and worked for the Portage County Sheriff's Department. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Saint Joseph's College in Maine and retired from the Lake Milton Police Department. Ella Mae also served as Vice President of Oaks Electric, the family business and raised and sold beef cattle on the family farm.
Ella Mae loved traveling. She had many fond memories of trips with her immediate family, including missionary work in Honduras and Central America. She was a 50 + year member of Edinburg United Church. Ella Mae lived life to the fullest. There was never a dull moment in her presence. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Special thanks to Robin Cain and her daughters Rhonda Gates and Renee Morgan and mother, Rosalie Glidewell for all the care given to Ella Mae. Also thanks to the staff at Long Meadow Care Center and Harbor Light Hospice.
Family and friends may visit on Sunday, January 24, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, where funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Timothy Paroz officiating. Interment at Edinburg Cemetery.