Obituaries
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Irene Oaks 1936 – 2024

Irene Oaks 1936 – 2024
Irene Doris (McKenney) Oaks, born July 9, 1936, passed away peacefully at her home in Billings on December 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous nine-month battle with cancer. Irene grew up on her family farm near Inwood, Iowa, as the second youngest of nine children born to Wayne and Cecilia McKenney. She was the last surviving sibling of her close-knit family. On March 9, 1956, Irene married Donald Oaks, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion. In 1967, they moved to Montana, where they raised their five children: Dwendell Oaks, Doyle (Marlene) Oaks, Darcie (Fred)Huppert, Dorinda (Trent) Gilbert, and Derek (Kristi) Oaks. Irene’s legacy also includes 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. Family was at the center of Irene’s life. She cherished gatherings and had a special fondness for spending time with the little ones. Known for her warm smile, kind heart, and sense of humor, Irene made everyone feel welcome. She was an exceptional baker and cook, renowned for her homemade buns, bread, cinnamon twists, pies, and potato salad. In her younger years, Irene enjoyed sewing, bowling, and playing cards. Later in life, she found joy in quilting, Scrabble games, and socializing with friends and family. Her twice-weekly coffee and workout group was a highlight until illness kept her homebound. Her final big celebration was her surprise 88th birthday party surrounded by nieces and nephews who traveled to honor her. A devoted wife and mother, Irene worked as a housekeeper at Daniels Memorial Hospital and Nursing Homestarting in the 1970’s before retiring—a role she greatly enjoyed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, at 11 a.m. at Dahl Funeral Home in Billings, followed by a luncheon at St. Pius X Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverstone Hospice Care in gratitude for their compassionate support. Irene was a loving wife, wonderful mother, doting grandmother, and beloved friend whose memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her. We will miss you terribly!
Irene Oaks 1936 – 2024
Irene Doris (McKenney) Oaks, born July 9, 1936, passed away peacefully at her home in Billings on December 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous nine-month battle with cancer. Irene grew up on her family farm near Inwood, Iowa, as the second youngest of nine children born to Wayne and Cecilia McKenney. She was the last surviving sibling of her close-knit family. On March 9, 1956, Irene married Donald Oaks, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion. In 1967, they moved to Montana, where they raised their five children: Dwendell Oaks, Doyle (Marlene) Oaks, Darcie (Fred)Huppert, Dorinda (Trent) Gilbert, and Derek (Kristi) Oaks. Irene’s legacy also includes 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. Family was at the center of Irene’s life. She cherished gatherings and had a special fondness for spending time with the little ones. Known for her warm smile, kind heart, and sense of humor, Irene made everyone feel welcome. She was an exceptional baker and cook, renowned for her homemade buns, bread, cinnamon twists, pies, and potato salad. In her younger years, Irene enjoyed sewing, bowling, and playing cards. Later in life, she found joy in quilting, Scrabble games, and socializing with friends and family. Her twice-weekly coffee and workout group was a highlight until illness kept her homebound. Her final big celebration was her surprise 88th birthday party surrounded by nieces and nephews who traveled to honor her. A devoted wife and mother, Irene worked as a housekeeper at Daniels Memorial Hospital and Nursing Homestarting in the 1970’s before retiring—a role she greatly enjoyed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, at 11 a.m. at Dahl Funeral Home in Billings, followed by a luncheon at St. Pius X Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverstone Hospice Care in gratitude for their compassionate support. Irene was a loving wife, wonderful mother, doting grandmother, and beloved friend whose memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her. We will miss you terribly!
Irene Doris (McKenney) Oaks, born July 9, 1936, passed away peacefully at her home in Billings on December 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous nine-month battle with cancer. Irene grew up on her family farm near Inwood, Iowa, as the second youngest of nine children born to Wayne and Cecilia McKenney. She was the last surviving sibling of her close-knit family. On March 9, 1956, Irene married D...
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