Martha Ann Oakley, age 81, of Holstein, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017 at the Mercy Medical Center of Sioux City.  A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church of Holstein with the Fr. Dan Guenther officiating.  Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery of Holstein.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM followed by a time of sharing at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein. 

Martha Ann Young was born July 17, 1936 to Ralph and Martha (Parker) Young in Marshalltown, IA. She graduated from Marion High School in 1954 and attended UNI. She married Harry D. Oakley September 17, 1955 in Marion. To this union five children were born: Martha, Sean, Mary, Harry, and Katie. She divided her time between her homes in Holstein and Okoboji. 

She was an active member in many groups and organizations in the community. She was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. 

She was the owner, editor and publisher of the Holstein Advance in the 70’s and 80’s. The rest of her life was devoted to her family, and she prided herself on making everything from scratch. From prom dresses to donuts, she did it all. Every new baby was welcomed home with a hand-stitched quilt. Ann’s generosity extended far beyond her family. Quietly, she gave to those in need. Countless were touched by her charity near and far.

She found tremendous joy in daily Mass and praying the rosary. Her faith was unrivaled and sustained her.  Few saw the struggle beneath the light of her love. 

Ann courageously refused to let her illness define her. She approached life with humility and humor, leading a life much larger than her chronic condition permitted. She travelled the world through her favorite books, gave abundantly to all without question, and kept rigorous correspondence with everyone she loved.  Her natural curiosity led to a life long pursuit of knowledge. Ann’s clever wit and demeanor made conversing with her an effortless pleasure. 

Those who her knew her loved her. Those who needed, received.  She will always be the center of our universe. 

Ann is survived by her husband of 62 years, Harry Oakley; her children, Martha (Mike) Stout, Sean (Dave) Easterby, Mary (Morgan) Oakley McAreavy, Harry Oakley and Katie (Scott) McKenzie; grandchildren, Adam (Andrea) Stout, Martha Ann (Scott) Sibbel, Megan (Brian) Sibbel, Steven, Michael, Rebecca and Grace Easterby, Madeline (Jamison) Voss, Patrick McAreavy, Annie McAreavy, Taylor, Regan, Sydney, Harry and Lincoln Oakley and Ian, Sean and Sarah McKenzie; and great grandchildren, Claire, Will and Juliet Stout, Anthony and Ellie Sibbel, Mason and Mila Sibbel and Carter Christians. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Diane (Denny) Ellis; niece, Michelle (Coleman) Reich; nephews, Bernie and Alexander Helm, former daughter-in-law, Lora Johnson. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Ralph Young; her brother, George Young; sister-in-law, Leona Young; niece, Tracie Young Helm; nephew, Rodney Young; in-laws, Margaret and Joe Bennett; and brother-in-law, Joe Bennett Jr.

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