Debra Irene Oakes, 71 years of age, of Beatrice passed away February 6, 2023, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 16, 1951 in Denver, Colorado to Elmer and Willa Dean (Snedon) Widman. Deb was raised in Denver Colorado where she attended high school, graduating from Cherry Creek High School. Debra was united in marriage to Ronald Oakes  on May 16, 1969. She was a homemaker most of her life, raising and loving her three boys; George, Kevin, and Kenny.

Deb enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing and camping, (as long as it included silence from her three boys). She was a true fur-baby lover, and loved her cats and dogs.

Debra is survived her sons, Kevin Oakes (Melissa), Kenny Oakes, all of Beatrice; grandchildren, Brianna Oakes, Vanessa Smith (Ryan), Sami Trauernicht (Lucas), Alyssa Oakes, Addalynn Oakes; great grandchildren, Aubrey, Jaylin, Mia, Zayda and a great-grandson due in May; brothers, Don Widman (Karla), of Wyoming, Gale Widman (Barbara) of Colorado; sisters, Becky Roberts, of Canyon City Colorado, Combie Linenberger (Lanny), of Denver Colorado, Jill Sweeney (Ronald) She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ron, and son, George Oakes.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice, with Chaplain Sharon Schuster officiating. Inurnment will be at the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice, at a later date. A register book will be available to sign from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM on the day of service. Memorials are suggested to Cottonwood Hospice in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.