Joyce Oates

Joyce C. Oates, age 89, of Bloomington, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, Lancaster. She was born on February 25, 1927, in Milwaukee, the daughter of John "Pat" and Marguerite (Ryan) Murphy. Joyce graduated from Kenosha High School in 1944. On February 23, 1946, she was united in marriage to Charles L. Oates in Kenosha. They resided in Bloomington and raised a family. Joyce worked for Bloomington High School as the secretary to superintendents for over 25 years. Charles and Joyce owned and operated Oates Hatchery in Bloomington, until 1988. After retirement, the couple enjoyed wintering in Florida and leisure time at their cabin at Jays Landing in Bagley. Joyce was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington and enjoyed knitting and reading.

Survivors include her three children: Burnell (Marilyn) Oates; Clay (Lona) Oates; Denise (Rick Halverson) Oates; five grandchildren: Julie (Ghanie) Habeeb; Steve (Jessica) Oates; Amanda (Troy) Hansen; Christy Oates; Jon Oates; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Tom Murphy; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Charles, Joyce was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Burnell Oates.

Funeral services will be held at a later date. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is serving the family.