Alphabetical Alumni
Oakden, Mayme [May]

Oakden, Mayme [May]
Escalante, Utah US

May and Frank Liston

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1910. Mayme Oakden. Source: Program, Commencement Exercises, 1910. ~ ~ ~ ~ Mayme (May) Oakden was born February 3, 1889, in Beaver, Utah. She would have been about 21 years old in 1910 -- late high school or early college age. Her parents: Charles Tyler Oakden and Anna May Allred Oakden. She married Frank Reeves Liston on May 15, 1912, in Escalante, Garfield County, Utah. She died on December 11, 1930. Her interment, Escalante City Cemetery.

Oakes, Cynthia
338 159th Street
Calumet City, Illinois 60409 US

Cynthia Oakes & David Puszkiewicz

Class of 1970. Cynthia Oakes. BYU BA Speech & Drama 1974. She married David M. Puszkiewicz. She is a librarian at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.

Oakley, Blanche Ethel

Oakley, Blanche Ethel
Salt Lake City, Utah US

Blanche and Corwin Graves

Class of 1910. Blanche Oakley. Graduated from Brigham Young High School in 1910, in the Music Department. Source: 1910 BYU Banyan, BYH section, list on p. 83. ~ ~ ~ ~ Blanche Ethel Oakley was born on October 26, 1892 in Springville, Utah. His parents were Ammi Oakley and Amanda Amy Wing Oakley. She married twice: First, to Shirley (Shirl) Osborne Evans on July 19, 1910 (div). Second, she married Corwin Russel Graves on October 15, 1945 in Elko, Nevada. Blanche Ethel Oakley Graves died on May 7, 1966 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment, Springville, Utah.

Oakley, Dorothy

Oakley, Dorothy
Provo, Utah

Dorothy O. & George Rea

Class of 1929? ~ Honorary. Born March 18, 1911. Married George Rea. PROVO -- Dorothy Oakley Rea, 88, a former Deseret News staff writer, columnist and photographer for the Provo area, died Oct. 13, 1999, of causes incident to age. Rea started her career at the Deseret News in 1950 as a correspondent and staff writer, mainly for Provo and Brigham Young University. Her career with the News spanned 25 years. She had served as the Deseret News Christmas news editor for many years and also published a widely read Column, "By Their Fruits," that ran in the Church News section. She also did a Church News series, "Wives of the General Authorities." Mrs. Rea also had articles published in the Improvement Era and the Relief Society Magazine. In 1965, she was the only Utahn honored by the National Federation of Press Women because of her in-depth series on the Utah State Hospital in Provo. Rea was also recognized by the Press Association for her coverage of the Golden Spike Centennial in 1969. When she retired from the Deseret News in 1976, she said her funniest moment was reporting on the Pleasant Grove rodeo queen contest, where the winner ended up being a man, masquerading as a woman. She was an alumna of the BYU Training School, graduate of Provo High, and a 1933 graduate of Brigham Young University. She had served as the editor for BYU Alumni Magazine and received numerous awards for her outstanding journalism. She served in various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rea's graveside services were held Oct. 18, 1999. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. [Deseret News, Wednesday, October 20, 1999.] Dorothy Oakley Rea, born 19 March 1911 in Provo, Utah; died 13 October 1999 in Provo. Buried Provo City Cemetery, Block 9 Lot 17. Her parents: Louis Napoleon Oakley & Rosalind Atwood Oakley. Rea, Dorothy Oakley, Utah Writers of the Twentieth Century: A Reference Tool, by Allene A. Jensen. Salt Lake City, University of Utah, 1957, p.111. Ref: Biog. Ref. F 825 .J46x also Americana F 825 .J46x

Oaks, Beverly Ann
1201 Reservoir Road
Baker, Oregon 97814-3532 US

Beverly and Del Jensen
  • Work: (541) 523-7020

Class of 1964. Beverly Ann Oaks. Seminary Graduate, Pep Club, F.H.A. ~ ~ ~ ~ Her parents: Charles E. Oaks and Ann Bonnett Oaks [BYH Class of 1932], married May 18, 1934. Their children included: Robert Oaks [BYH Class of 1954] (Gloria Mae Unger [also BYH Class of 1954]); Richard Oaks [BYH Class of 1960] (Kathy); Beverly Ann Oaks [BYH Class of 1964] (Del) Jensen; and Bonnie Oaks (Ty) Ripple. ~ ~ ~ ~ Beverly Ann Oaks married Del Jensen.

Oaks, Carol Verda

Oaks, Carol Verda
Springville, Utah US

Carol Oaks

Class of 1939. Carol Oaks. Editor, Wildcat Yearbook, 1939. Wildcat Yearbook Staff, three years. School Play. Forensics. Basketball. French Club. Fauvines. Notre Maison, Secretary-Treasurer. College Enrollment. ~ ~ ~ ~ Carol Verda Oaks was born on December 27, 1920 in Provo, Utah. Her parents were Lewis Weston Oaks and Jessie Belle Nelson Oaks. She died on May 26, 1995. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Carol Verda Oaks, age 74, died May 26, 1995 in Orem, Utah. She was born on December 27, 1920 in Provo, Utah, the daughter of Lewis Weston and Jessie Nelson Oaks. She completed elementary and high school education in Provo, graduating from Brigham Young High School in 1939. Then she graduated from Brigham Young University and the University of Chicago. She worked in Salt Lake City, Berkley, California and Provo. She retired from the Orem Public Library in 1986. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in France from 1965 to 1967. Her watchword was service and it defined her life. She is survived by a brother, Clinton L. Oaks (Elaine), two sisters, Joyce Oaks [BYH Class of 1946] Bird (J. Reed), Janet Oaks [BYH Class of 1950] Francis (Rell G.), and numerous loving nieces and nephews and their children. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 30, 1995, in Provo, Utah. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. [Deseret News, May 28, 1995.]

Oaks, Dallin H.
c/o LDS Church
50 East North Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 US

Dallin and Kristin Oaks
  • Work: (801) 240-1000

Class of 1950. Dallin H. Oaks. Senior Class President. Member of the 1949 BYH basketball team. Football, Track, Lettermen Club, Band, French Club, Newspaper, Graduation Committee. Elder Dallin H. Oaks has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since May 1984. He is a native of Provo, Utah, born August 12, 1932. He began working for pay only three or four years after his father died in 1940, to help his widowed mother. The death of Dr. Lloyd Oaks of tuberculosis left his young widow Stella with three children: Dallin, eight at the time, and the oldest; Merrill, now a Provo, Utah, ophthalmologist; and Evelyn, now Mrs. H. Ross Hammond, of Salt Lake City. “I was blessed with an extraordinary mother,” Elder Oaks recalls. “She surely was one of the many noble women who have lived in the latter days.” Before her death in 1980, Stella Oaks was known as a force for good in Provo, in both Church and civic service. “She gave me a great deal of responsibility and freedom. She encouraged me to have a job,” Elder Oaks explains. From the time he first worked for pay, “at eleven or twelve,” he has been continuously employed. His first job was sweeping out a radio repair shop. He had to learn to test the radio tubes he found on the floor, to find out which were good, and that led to an interest in radio. He threw himself into study with characteristic intensity. Before he was sixteen, he had obtained a first-class radiotelephone license, which allowed him to operate a commercial radio station transmitter, and found a job in radio. Station managers liked to hire a “combination man” -- an engineer who could double as an announcer. Before long he was working regularly as an announcer. It was while he was announcing high school basketball games as a college freshman that his wife first met him. June Dixon was still attending high school in nearby Spanish Fork when someone introduced her to him at a game. They were married on 24 June 1952, while both were attending BYU. It was the height of the Korean War, and he was in the Utah National Guard, expecting his unit to be called to active duty at any time. But while other, closely related units went, his was never activated. At that time, a limited number of young men were being called on missions because of the war, and Oaks was not among them. He and his wife June were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of six children, twenty-four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She died July 21, 1998. On August 25, 2000 he married Kristen M. McMain in the Salt Lake Temple. Elder Oaks is a graduate of Brigham Young High School (1949), Brigham Young University (accounting, 1954), and The University of Chicago Law School (1957). As a young lawyer, he served for a year as a law clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren of the United States Supreme Court. He practiced law for three years with a large law firm in Chicago and taught law for ten years as a professor at The University of Chicago Law School. He was also executive director of the American Bar Foundation, a large professional research organization, for the last year of his residence in Chicago. Dallin H. Oaks served as president of Brigham Young University from 1971 to 1980, and a justice of the Utah Supreme Court from 1980 until his resignation in 1984 to accept his calling to the apostleship. His prior Church callings have included service for eight and a half years as a member of a stake presidency in Chicago and six and a half years as a Regional Representative in Utah. He has been an officer or member of the board of many business, educational, and charitable organizations, including five years as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and eight years as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Polynesian Cultural Center. He is the author or co-author of ten books and over one hundred articles on religious and legal subjects. Alternate address: 1813 Yale Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 ~ ~ ~ ~ HIS MOTHER: Stella Harris Oaks was born in Provo on July 27, 1906, and died in Salt Lake City on Jan. 8, 1980. She served two terms on the Provo City Council and was acting mayor for a short time. She was often referred to as "Provo City's Mother." She founded the Family Life Conference at BYU and headed up the Provo School District Adult Education program for 24 years. She raised three children as a young widow, including Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church.

Oaks, Janet

Oaks, Janet
Springville, Utah US

Janet and Rell Francis

Class of 1950. Janet Oaks. Senior Class Secretary. Notre Maison, Quill & Scroll, Thespian, Y'ld Cat Staff. Married Rell G. Francis of Springville, Utah. They have three children: Sean, Lewis and Dana. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Janet Oaks Francis, 1932-2015. Fear no more the heat o’ the sun Nor the furious winter’s rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages. Following a long, courageous battle with a multitude of ailments, Janet Oaks Francis passed away on June 12, 2015, at the Holladay, Utah Health Care Center. She was 82. Born in Provo on October 9, 1932 to Dr. Lewis Weston Oaks and Jessie Nelson Oaks, Jan was the youngest of four. After a happy childhood, with summers at a cabin up the canyon and trips to the wilds of Vernal, Janet graduated from BYU High School in the Class of 1950. There she served as Senior Class Secretary, worked on the “Y’ld Cat” student paper, and was active in the French society “Notre Maison,” the Quill and Scroll literary club, and the school’s Thespian group. She then attended Brigham Young University, taking a degree in Elementary Education and focusing on English, French, and Children’s Literature. (In her career as a library cataloguer, she made this last field her special expertise.) Janet graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts — and having met a bachelor artist! This was Rell Gardner Francis, a painter, sculptor, and photographer from Lake Shore, Utah — whom she married on July 18, 1958, in the Logan LDS Temple. Three years later, now in Springville, Janet gave birth to Rell Sean; in 1963 came Lewis McKay and then a daughter, Dana, in 1968. Beginning in 1967, Janet worked part-time and then full-time as a card cataloger for BYU’s Harold B. Lee Library. She was admired and beloved there, happily ensconced in her carrel amid towers of books requiring her care. Upon retirement in 2001, ”JOF” was celebrated at a University event, with the late Welsh poet Leslie Norris, whose work and person she deeply loved, providing an eloquent appreciation. At home she cooked superbly and abundantly; laundered, gardened and helped with homework. She also supported her husband in his quixotic quests, enabling Rell to bring important creative and scholarly projects to fruition. She was perhaps happiest in her sewing room, making clothes or mending what needed mending. When not working with her hands and plying the Singer’s [sewing machine] pedal, she was reading. Few people since Gutenberg introduced moveable type can have read as much! Her favorites were mystery novels — and she spoke of writing her own one day. All who knew her wish she had; but then all who knew her have more than enough to remember her by. She also took special delight in travel; highlights included a post-college stay in Hawaii, and a post-retirement return to the islands. Her endless curiosity about and interest in life inspired. She could not not move — tap her foot, sway to the swing — when hearing great music. She laughed with infectious zest and gusto — especially when Carol Burnett was on TV! In her last decades Janet keenly enjoyed experiencing her children’s adult lives; and she loved communing with her five — a quincunx! — grandchildren. A faithful member of the LDS Church, she dedicated a good part of her life to service, making the rounds of her Springville neighborhood, bringing baked goods and kind words to the ailing and grieving. Empathizing, comforting. Janet Oaks Francis was preceded in death by a brother, Clinton Oaks, and two sisters: Carol Oaks and Joyce Oaks Bird. She also survived her husband — no mean feat! — who died in 2008. Janet lives on in the three beings whose great good fortune it was to have her as a mother: Rell Sean Francis, of Chicago, Illinois; Lewis McKay Francis, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Dana Francis Lepore of Sandy, Utah. She will also shine on in the memories of her grandchildren: Madeline, Max, Sam and Amelia Lepore, the children of Dana and her husband Mike Lepore; and Nicholas Costello-Francis, son of Lewis and his wife Dana Costello. Requiescat in Pace, Mater. A viewing will be held Sunday, June 21, at the Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 S., Springville. Family are welcome from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.; others from 6:00 to 8:00. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22, at the Springville Stake Center, 245 S. 600 E. Visitors may pay their respects from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Provo’s Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.wheelermortuaries.com [Provo Daily Herald, Saturday, June 20, 2015] ARTICLE: Preservationist's Springville Home Creates Feeling of Being in Early 20th Century Photo Gallery, Museum. By Mark Reece, DN Staff Writer. Do not call Rell and Janet Oaks Francis pack rats. Rell Francis is an Utah County educator, writer and artist-photographer, and he prefers the term preservationist. And the more than 10,000 glass negatives Francis has used to make prints from early Utah photographer George Edward Anderson attest to his earnest quest in keeping history alive in photos. Upon entering the Francis home in east Springville, visitors may wonder if they have stepped into the equivalent of an early 20th century photo gallery and museum. ``This is Rell's Relic Hall,'' Francis says. The basement could best be described as organized chaos, as hundreds of photographs adorn the walls, desks, tables and any available space that can be found. An enlarger sits in one corner and boxes of photography supplies are scattered elsewhere. Francis began aggressively pursuing the delicate art of restoring photographs in 1973 and is considered one of the best photo-historians around. Working with original glass negatives of varying sizes, Francis has restored - or touched-up, as he calls it - about 500 Anderson photos, and has done extensive research about the photographer and his work thanks to meticulous record keeping by Elfie Huntington, Anderson's assistant. Francis said he estimates Anderson may have photographed as many as 30,000 images, setting up studios in Springville and Manti, and as he traveled to England, Canada and parts of the western United States. The LDS Church has since cataloged a great deal of the Anderson work, using more modern methods than finding space for the large 14-inch by 17-inch glass negatives. As an art and English teacher for Nebo School District in Springville and Payson schools, Rell Francis taught from 1955 to 1977. He was also a temporary director for the Springville Museum of Art in 1976. Perhaps best known as an expert on the Anderson photography, Francis also has extensive expertise and research with Springville-native sculptor Cyrus E. Dallin who lived from 1861 to 1944. Among the Dallin works are the Angel Moroni for LDS temples, sculptures of Paul Revere, Lafayette, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce and Chief Massasoite from the Wampanogas tribe who met early American colonizers in the 1600s. This past spring, Francis was a guest lecturer at the Rockwell Museum in Corning, N.Y., as the museum featured an exhibit of Dallin works in small bronze and plasters. Francis has also published what some have called the definitive biography on Dallin, entitled ``Cyrus E. Dallin: Let Justice Be Done,'' published by the Utah Bicentennial Commission in 1976. The Lake Shore native has won numerous awards, has had exhibits presented in Italy, Texas and throughout Utah and has published several books on the subject of photography and sculpture. [Published in the Deseret News, Wednesday, August 16, 1995.] Janet's sister, Joyce Oaks, also graduated from BYH in 1946. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER HUSBAND'S OBITUARY: Rell Gardner Francis was born in Lake Shore, UT on January 27, 1928 to Samuel Evan and Barbara Ferguson Francis. He married Janet Oaks July 18, 1958 in Salt Lake City. He completed a BA degree from Brigham Young University in 1954, a MA degree in 1963 and ongoing post graduate work in San Miguel d'Allende, Mexico, Ohio State University, the University of Utah and Chicago School of Design. Rell's professional career began as an art and English teacher, which extended to instructing in photography in Paris as a teacher in the European Art Academy. He served as Director of the Springville Art Museum and Director of the City Spirit for the National Endowment for the Arts in Springville City. He was the proprietor of the antique photo reproduction shop in Provo (Heritage Prints) when he received and restored a large collection of glass plate negatives photographed by early Utah artist George Edward Anderson. He published a detailed, illustrated catalog of this collection. His publication: The Utah Photographs of George Edward Anderson prompted a burgeoning industry of old photo reproductions based on the carefully developed processing he employed. Based on copious research on Cyrus E. Dallin, he wrote an earmark publication on Utah's forgotten sculptor, thus beginning an avalanche of renewed interest and scholarship on Dallin's life and work. Prompted by his detailed research of Cyrus Dallin, his watch cry became "Let justice be done" and his own artistic focus shifted to environmental and political activism. Rell served as a trustee of the Springville Museum of Art (1958-1974), a trustee of the Springville Historical Society (1975-1999) and received numerous photography awards both in and outside of Utah. He died at his residence December 9, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister. He is survived by four sisters: Lila Madsen, Marian Tenney, Maurine Malmberg, Carol Loveless and four brothers: Reed, Rulon, Evan and Samuel. He is also survived by his wife and their three children: Rell Sean, Lewis McKay (Dana Costello), Dana Lepore (Mike) and four grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 in the Springville Stake Center, 245 S 600 E, Springville, Utah. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. [Provo Daily Herald, Sunday, December 14, 2008.]

Oaks, Joyce

Oaks, Joyce
Springville, Utah

Joyce and Reed Bird

Class of 1946. Joyce Oaks. She graduated from BYH on May 23, 1946. Source: 1946 BYH Graduation Exercises Program. She gave the opening prayer at graduation exercises. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Joyce Oaks Bird, 76, of Springville, died on October 19, 2003 at her home. She was born June 17, 1927, in Provo, Utah, the third of four children of Dr. L. Weston and Jessie Nelson Oaks. She graduated from BY High School in 1946. Joyce met the love of her life, J. Reed Bird, at BYU and they were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 20, 1947. They enjoyed 56 wonderful years of marriage. They have three children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grand children who will all miss Grandma Joyce and her Skittles. She was a faithful member of the LDS Church and served in all the auxiliaries. She especially enjoyed serving as Relief Society President and Cub Scout den mother. Joyce enjoyed sewing and made hundreds of beautiful hand-knit items for family and friends. She also had a special gift for growing flowers and plants. She is survived by her loving husband, J. Reed; children: David R. (Stephanie) of Sandy, Stephanie (Randy) Killpack, and J. Kevin (Cindy) of Springville. She is also survived by her sister, Janet (Rell) Francis of Springville, who is a BYH graduate, Class of 1950. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Carol, and brother Clinton. [Provo Daily Herald, October 21, 2003]

Oaks, Lewis Weston

Oaks, Lewis Weston

Weston Oaks

Class of 1914. L. Weston Oaks. Graduated in 1914 from Brigham Young High School, Academic Department. He served as President of the Senior Class of 1914. Source: 1914 BYU Banyan, BYH section, pp. 84-89. ~ ~ ~ ~ Class of 1914. L. Weston Oaks. He received a High School Diploma in 1914. Source: Annual Record, B.Y. University, Book 8, page 18. ~ ~ ~ ~ Lewis Weston Oaks was born on June 14, 1892 in Maeser, Uintah County, Utah. His parents were William Hyrum Oaks and Janett Bethers Oaks. He died on April 4, 1973 in Provo, Utah. He married Jessie Belle Nelson on June 2, 1915 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment, Provo City Cemetery, Provo, Utah.

Oaks, Merrill C.
2051 N. Stadium Lane
Provo, Utah 84604-1813 US

Merrill & Josephine Oaks

Class of 1954. Merrill Oaks. Basketball, Football, Lettermen, All State Athletics, All State Band, All State Orchestra, Band, Drum Major, House of Representatives. Merrill Clayton Oaks was born on January 12, 1936 in Twin Falls, Idaho. His parents are Dr. Lloyd Oaks and Stella Harris Oaks. Dr. Lloyd Oaks died in 1940 of tuberculosis, leaving his young wife and three children: Dallin H. Oaks, eight at the time; Merrill; and their younger sister, Evelyn Oaks, now Mrs. H. Ross Hammond of SLC. Merrill was just four years old when his father passed away. For many years afterward, his mother raised her three children as a single parent, assisted by her own parents. “My testimony started at home with my mother,” says Elder Oaks. “She was a great human being and a great teacher. When she would pray, her conversation with Heavenly Father would be so direct and personal that I almost wanted to open my eyes to see if He was standing there listening.” Oaks spent most of his youth in Provo.Like his older brother, Dallin, he was a student at Brigham Young High School in Provo, where he excelled at basketball, and football. He was honored as an All State Athlete. He also played in the BYH band, was Drum Major, and was named to the All State Orchestra. He was a member of the BYH House of Representatives. He graduated in 1954. He spent most of the summers of his youth on the farm of his Grandfather Harris, south of Payson. He served a mission in Ontario, Canada, where, he says, his testimony “really blossomed” as he bore witness of the gospel and saw it change others’ lives. He went on to receive a bachelor of science degree at Brigham Young University in 1960 , and it was there he met his future wife, Josephine Ann Christensen, from Payson, Utah. They were married in September 1958. Her parents are McKay Christensen and Josephine Johnson Christensen, married in 1937 by Elder David O. McKay in Salt Lake City. Oaks earned a medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1963, interned at the University of Kentucky, and specialized in ophthalmology (eye surgery) at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. “If you let it, a medical education can challenge your testimony,” Elder Oaks says, “but after you work through that, you’re left with such a tremendous respect and awe for the human body and how it functions. You see God’s hand in its design and know that it did not happen by accident.” Josephine also graduated from BYU in 1960 with a BS degree in child development, family relations, and elementary education. She taught nursery school in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and has served as the president of the Utah County Medical Auxiliary, later chairing the community program Parent Skills Workshops in conjunction with Provo Schools Adult Education. Her profession is a homemaker. Through the years Elder Merrill Oaks has had the opportunity to travel throughout the world to instruct other doctors and medical students in ophthalmology. Often Sister Oaks and some of their children have accompanied him on these trips, which have included destinations such as Bahrain, China, and India.Merill and Josephine Oaks are the parents of 9 children. Merrill practiced ophthalmology in Provo for 29 years and served as president of the medical staff at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and president of the Utah Ophthalmology Society. He retired from the practice of ophthalmology in 1995 when he was called to serve as a mission president. Elder Oaks served twice as a bishop and has been a stake high councilor, counselor in the stake presidency, stake president, and president of the Washington Seattle Mission. In the April general conference of 1998, he was called as a General Authority in the Second Quorum of Seventy. Assignments included area presidency of the Southwest, Philippines, and Utah North areas. He was released in the October general conference of 2004 and currently serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher and as a sealer in the Bountiful Temple. When asked how the gospel has affected his life, he replies, “The gospel is my life. I know that this is God’s work with absolute certainty.” Along with supporting her husband in his various callings, Josephine has also served as a ward and stake Primary president, ward Young Women’s president and counselor in stake Relief Society. She has conducted stake aerobics classes since her BYU certification as an instructor. Josephine studied the organ privately and served in that capacity wherever she has lived. She was Utah’s Young Mother in 1972 and then the National Young Mother of America. ~ ~ ~ ~ HIS MOTHER: Stella Harris Oaks was born in Provo on July 27, 1906, and died in Salt Lake City on Jan. 8, 1980. She served two terms on the Provo City Council and was acting mayor for a short time. She was often referred to as "Provo City's Mother." She founded the Family Life Conference at BYU and headed up the Provo School District Adult Education program for 24 years. She raised three children as a young widow, including Elder Merrill Oaks, and Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church.

Oaks, Richard E.
5232 Doe Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 US

Dick and Kathleen Oaks
  • Work: (702) 878-1261

Class of 1960. Richard E. Oaks. Football, Lettermen, Wildcat Yearbook, Yld Cat Newspaper, Chorus. ~ ~ ~ ~ His parents: Charles E. Oaks and Ann Bonnett Oaks [BYH Class of 1932], married May 18, 1934. Their children included: Robert Oaks [BYH Class of 1954] (Gloria Mae Unger [also BYH Class of 1954]); Richard Oaks [BYH Class of 1960] (Kathy); Beverly Ann Oaks [BYH Class of 1964] (Del) Jensen; and Bonnie Oaks (Ty) Ripple. ~ ~ ~ ~ Richard married Kathleen, and they have two children. His occupation, Desert Media Group.

Oaks, Robert C.

Oaks, Robert C.
c/o LDS Church
50 East North Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 US

Bob and Gloria Oaks
  • Work: (801) 240-1000

Class of 1954. Robert C. Oaks. Student Body President. Basketball, Baseball, Football, Tennis, Lettermen, Boys State, Chorus, Senate, Legislative Forum, Debate, Legislative Forum All State. ~ ~ ~ ~ His parents: Charles E. Oaks and Ann Bonnett Oaks [BYH Class of 1932], married May 18, 1934. Their children included: Robert Oaks [BYH Class of 1954] (Gloria Mae Unger [also BYH Class of 1954]); Richard Oaks [BYH Class of 1960] (Kathy); Beverly Ann Oaks [BYH Class of 1964] (Del) Jensen; and Bonnie Oaks (Ty) Ripple. ~ ~ ~ ~ GENERAL ROBERT C. OAKS, Retired August 31, 1994. General Robert C. Oaks was Commander In Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe, with headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. General Oaks was born in 1936. He grew up in Provo, Utah, where he graduated from Brigham Young High School in 1954. He entered the first class of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1955 after attending Brigham Young University for a year. Prior to entering the Air Force, he served 18 months in the Utah National Guard. The general earned a bachelor of science degree from the academy in 1959 and a masters degree in business administration from Ohio State University in 1967. He completed the Naval War College in 1974. Upon graduation from the Academy he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He completed flight training at Bartow Air Base, Florida, and Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and received pilot wings in September 1960. The general then attended combat crew training at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. In September 1961 he transferred to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., as an F-100 pilot with the 524th Tactical Fighter Squadron. From April 1963 to June 1966 General Oaks was assigned to the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, first at Misawa Air Base, Japan; next, in August 1964, at England Air Force Base, Louisiana; and then, in November 1965, at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam. He flew 188 combat missions in F-100s in Southeast Asia. After completing his masters degree in August 1967, General Oaks was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy as Air Officer Commanding, 23rd Cadet Squadron, and later as the Commandant of Cadets Executive for honor and ethics. In August 1970 the general became an F-111A flight commander with the 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis Air Force Base. There he served as executive officer to the wing commander and as operations officer, 429th Tactical Fighter Squadron. In November 1971 he was assigned as commander of the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. He completed Naval War College in June 1974 and was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., as chief, Joint Plans and Policy Branch. During the next three years the general served as deputy chief, Global Plans and Policy Division; chief, Joint Policy Division; chief, International Relations Division; chief, Pacific-East Asia Division; chief, Europe-NATO Division; and deputy assistant for National Security Council matters, all within the Directorate of Plans, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans. He became chief, Regular and Reserve General Officer Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, in January 1977. In June 1977 he was assigned as assistant for general officer matters. From August 1979 to July 1981 General Oaks was assistant for readiness, U.S. Air Forces in Europe headquarters. In January 1981 he moved within the headquarters staff to be the assistant deputy chief of staff, operations. In July 1981 he became commander of the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, also at Ramstein, and commander of the Kaiserslautern Military Community. He became director of personnel plans, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel, Air Force headquarters, in May 1983. In February 1985 he was assigned as assistant deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel. The general became commander of Allied Air Forces Southern Europe and deputy commander in chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe for the Southern Area, headquartered in Naples, Italy, in October 1986. In June 1988 General Oaks became commander of Air Training Command with headquarters at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. He assumed his present position in June 1990. The general is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours, including more than 300 combat hours. His military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with service star, Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with service star, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was promoted to general July 1, 1990, with same date of rank. ~ ~ ~ ~ (February 1993) Robert C. Oaks was born February 14, 1936 in Los Angeles, California to Charles E. Oaks and his wife, Ann Bonnett. Robert was raised in Provo, Utah. Robert attended and graduated from Brigham Young High School in 1954, where he lettered in four sports. He had considered going on to Brigham Young University and then study law. He even considered going into politics but instead opted for the the new Air Force Academy so that he might continue his athletic career and receive flight training. He was in the first class to graduate from the Air Force Academy and earned a Bachelors degree in Military Science. Later, he went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from Ohio State University. He also attended the Naval War College. Robert met Gloria Mae Unger [BYH Class of 1954] as a youth, when she came forward to compliment him on a two and a half minute talk he had given. The two became fast friends and starting dating in High School. After his graduation from BY High School, he married her in the Salt Lake Temple. They have six children. Robert pursued a career in the United States Air Force, a career that was almost cut short in Viet Nam. On a mission over the Mekong Delta, Roberts plane was hit. He tried to guide the stricken aircraft back to base even after his wing man reported he was streaming flames, but when the controls went mushy, he was forced to eject. He suffered a hard landing when his chute had difficulty opening, and was knocked unconscious. Upon awakening, he found he was surrounded... by water buffalo on the ground and F-100s in the air. His friends flew cover for him until a helicopter arrived to pick him up. Robert stayed in the Air Force after the conflict and climbed the ranks rapidly, eventually being promoted to the rank of General. His assignments, in addition to Vietnam, included Florida, Nevada, Korea, back to the Air Force Academy, this time as a faculty member, then Germany, Italy, Texas, and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. After thirty-five years in the Air Force, he retired in 1994, wearing four stars on each shoulder. Following his retirement he was employed at U.S. Airways as Senior Vice President. Many career military men find difficulty finding the proper balance between the demands of the military and service to the Lord. Robert overcame any such difficulty he might have faced. He served as Gospel Doctrine teacher eleven times during his military career. He also found time to serve as a counselor to a branch president, counselor to a district president, counselor to a mission president, counselor to a bishop, Stake Missionary, and Stake High Councilor. After leaving the service he was called as Stake President of the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania North Stake. It was while serving a Stake President that he was called into full-time church service. He was ordained a Seventy and called into the Second Quorum of the Seventy in April of 2000. ~ ~ ~ ~ 2000 CHURCH NEWS ARTICLE: New General Authority: Value, price of freedom appreciated by retired U.S. Air Force general. By John L. Hart, Church News staff writer. ~ Elder Robert C. Oaks, sustained April 1, 2001 to the Second Quorum of the Seventy, has spent his life appreciating freedom and the blessings of the Book of Mormon's land of promise. A boy from Provo, Utah, who grew up to be a general in the United States Air Force, Elder Oaks knows the price and value of freedom. "I have learned that freedom has a taste; it is a tangible reality," he said. "One of the great blessings of my 35 years in the Air Force was the opportunity to grow to truly love freedom." His mother, Ann Bonnett Oaks, often read poems and stories that gave him a great appreciation for books and were the cornerstone of his respect for all people, regardless of their station in life. His father, Charles, taught him to work hard, and also took him fishing and hunting. A testimony came as part of his childhood learning. "I can't ever remember not believing," he said. "I went to Primary and Sunday School and I can tell you what chair I was sitting in when I first heard the story about David and Goliath. I grew up in the total surrounding environment of the Mormon community, and the testimony emerged." Elder Oaks praised his teachers, most of whom were members of the Church at the local elementary school and Brigham Young High School, where he lettered in four sports. "I had stimulating teachers who would not tolerate my normal childish misbehavior, nor would they ostracize me for it. Rather, they would correct me and send me on my educational way. I value that. I have maintained an excitement to learn all of my life." He once had aspirations to be an attorney, and even to go into politics, but chose instead to attend the Air Force Academy where he could play football and become a pilot. He and his wife, Gloria, met in Church as youngsters. She first noticed him when he gave a two-and-a-half minute talk in Sunday School, and they became friends. Robert and Gloria started dating in high school and were married in the Salt Lake Temple after his graduation from the Air Force Academy on June 10, 1959. Callings and responsibilities in the Air Force often came together for the young officer. In Nevada, he was called to the bishopric of a newly formed ward, and designated as squadron operations officer almost the same week. "All weekend we, the bishopric, were interviewing people for staffing in the ward, and all week I was re-organizing the functions of the squadron. I found the Church model [of interviewing] extremely useful." During his military career, the family moved 26 times. "We lived in Japan, Germany and Italy, and in all corners of America, from Rhode Island and Florida to Nevada and Idaho, and a lot of places in between," he said. Once, while waiting for assignment after he had become a brigadier general, the family stayed at his parents' home in Provo. Finally, a telephone call informed him that he had been assigned to Germany. "I went in to tell the kids. All six of them were sitting around a table -- these were high school and grade school children who would have to leave their schools." He told them they were going to overseas to Germany. There was a long silence, then their 7-year-old said, "Hey -- you can get Adidas shoes in Germany for $15." "The rest said, 'Yea! Let's go to Germany!' We never did find any $15 Adidas, but the family loved Germany." Despite his transiency, he has always held Church callings, including serving as a Gospel Doctrine teacher 11 times. He not only teaches the importance of freedom, but also that it has a high priority. "Freedom has radiated out of our country through the military, through our diplomacy, through our moral leadership that we have expressed in so many ways -- through our willingness to step forward and sacrifice our lives and our blood to preserve that freedom and the freedom of other people." Again, he speaks from personal experience. In 1966 he was in Vietnam flying combat missions. One early morning he was awakened and asked to fly in place of a friend who had been drinking. "I said, 'Sure.' I love to fly." He was the flight leader of four F-100s sent to the Mekong Delta to knock out machine guns hidden in banana trees along the edge of rice paddies. After his first pass, a fire warning light showed on the control panel. "My wingman came up and said, 'You're on fire. You better get out.' So I headed toward the closest air strip but the wingman said, 'You are burning badly.' I was streaming fire about 20 feet behind the airplane. I didn't want to get out of the airplane where everything was so secure. But then the [control] stick kind of went limp. As soon as you are out of control it is easy, mentally, to eject. So I ejected -- a charge exploded under the seat. The parachute didn't open, and I was spinning so violently that I had the distinct feeling that my body couldn't stand this. Then the words of the memorized emergency procedures appeared [in my mind], just like a pull-down screen. I spread-eagled and stopped the spinning. I pulled the d-ring and got the parachute to open." His heavy emergency kit was supposed to fall free, but it remained attached and he fell on it, and, in landing on hard dirt of a dry rice paddy, injured his back and was briefly knocked unconscious. When he came to, he saw that "I was immediately surrounded by Vietnamese water buffalo, lowing." He was also surrounded, in the air, by seven F-100s that protected him until his rescue by helicopter a short time later. "It was a remarkable preservation experience," he said. "I knew God had preserved me in answer to my prayers and our family prayers." Although he retired from the Air Force in 1994, his new calling brings with it some reminders of his military service, particularly as he awaits a new assignment. He was called on a Thursday, and on Friday, he and Sister Oaks put their home up for sale. That was typically decisive, illustrative of the dedication of Robert and Gloria Oaks, always ready and eager to report for duty. [LDS Church News, Saturday, June 3, 2000.]

Oberhansley, Henry [Oberhamsky,]

Oberhansley, Henry [Oberhamsky,]

Henry Oberhansley

Brigham Young High School, Class of 1908. Henry Oberhamsky [actually Oberhansley]. He received a Normal Diploma. Source: Students Record of Class Standings B.Y. Academy, Book 2, Page 255. ~ ~ ~ ~ Collegiate Grad of BYU, Class of 1915. Henry Oberhansley. He received an AB Degree in 1915. Source: Annual Record, B.Y. University, Book 7, page 286.

Oberhansley, Ray Alma

Oberhansley, Ray Alma
Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico MX

Ray and Florence Oberhansley

Class of 1910. Ray Oberhansley. Graduated from Brigham Young High School in 1910, in the Normal Department. Source: 1910 BYU Banyan, BYH section, list on p. 83. ~ ~ ~ ~ Collegiate Grad of BYU, Class of 1913. Ray Overhausly [actually Oberhansley]. He received an A.B. Degree in 1913. Source: Annual Record, B.Y. University, Book 3, page 96. ~ ~ ~ ~ Ray Alma Oberhansley was born circa 1886, and lived in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. He married Florence Taylor on January 5, 1912. Florence Taylor was born on August 23, 1890 in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Her parents were Earnest (or Ernest) Leander Taylor and Mary Magdalene Arnesen. She married twice: First, to Ray Oberhansley in 1912. She second married Waldemar Bowman on January 2, 1921 in El Paso, Texas. She died on October 18, 1980 in Beaver, Utah. Interment, Cedar City, Utah. Ray Alma Oberhansley died on May 15, 1915.

Oberhansley, Vern [Oberhansly,]

Oberhansley, Vern [Oberhansly,]

Vern Oberhansley

Collegiate Grad of BYU, Class of 1920. Vern Oberhansley [not Oberhansly]. He received an AB Degree in 1920. Source: Annual Record, B.Y. University, Book 5, page 123.

Oberhansly, Madge

Oberhansly, Madge

Madge Oberhansly

Collegiate Grad of BYU, Class of 1925. Madge Oberhansly. She received an AB Degree in English in 1925. Source: Annual Record, B.Y. University, Book 10, page 450.

Odekirk, Sarah

Odekirk, Sarah

Sarah Odekirk

Brigham Young High School, Class of 1906. Sarah Odekirk. She received a Normal Diploma. Source: Students Record of Class Standings B.Y. Academy, Book 2, Page 256. ~ ~ ~ ~ BYH Class of 1906. Sarah Odekirk, a Normal graduate. BYU [& BYH] Class of 1906 Listing of BYH Normal, High School, Commercial, and Music School graduates. Source: Brigham Young Academy & Normal Training School, Catalogues & Announcements, for 31st Academic Year, 1906-1907, p. 140.

Odekirk, W. LeRoy [Wilford LeRoy]

Odekirk, W. LeRoy [Wilford LeRoy]

LeRoy Odekirk

Class of 1910. LeRoy Odekirk. Graduated from Brigham Young High School in 1910, in the Commercial Department. Source: 1910 BYU Banyan, BYH section, list on p. 83. ~ ~ ~ ~ Wilford Leroy Odekirk was born on May 15, 1890 in Vernal, Utah. His parents are Heber Odekirk and Hannah Brown Odekirk. He married Delores Sabey on November 23, 1925 in Price, Utah. He died on September 11, 1941 in Pagoda, Colorado. Interment, Vernal Memorial Park, Utah.

Ogden, Eleanor W.

Ogden, Eleanor W.
Parowan, Utah US

Eleanor Ogden

BYH Class of 1903~Honorary. Eleanor W. Ogden of Parowan, Utah, a Normal student, BYA [& BYH] Class of 1903 Listing of Fourth Year Students (seniors). Source: Brigham Young Academy & Normal Training School, Catalogues & Announcements, for 28th Academic Year, 1903-1904, pp. 171-172.

Ogden, June

Ogden, June

June Ogden

Classes of 1917 and 1918. June Ogden (female). Graduated from Brigham Young High School in 1917. Source: 1917 BYU Banyan yearbook, BYH section, pages 82-88. ~ ~ ~ ~ Class of 1918. June Ogden. She received a BYH Normal Certificate in 1918. Source: Annual Record, B.Y. University, Book 10, page 40.

Ogden, Louise

Ogden, Louise

Louise Ogden

Collegiate Grad of BYU, Class of 1917. Louise Ogden. She received an AB Degree in 1917. Source: Annual Record, B.Y. University, Book 6, page 344.

Ogden, Niels A.

Niels Ogden

Class of 1930. Niels A. Ogden. Graduated from Brigham Young High School on Thursday, May 29, 1930. Source: The Evening Herald, Provo, Utah, May 28, 1930.

Ohlwiler, Venola

Ohlwiler, Venola
Heber City, Utah US

Venola and Francis Cowley

Class of 1917. Venola Ohlwiler. She received a BYH Normal Certificate in 1917. Source: Annual Record, B.Y. University, Book 10, page 80. ~ ~ ~ ~ Venola Ohlwiler was born on December 29, 1896 in Heber, Utah. Her parents were John Fredrick Ohlwiler and Rhoda Elizabeth Hicken Ohlwiler. Venola married Francis Charles Cowley on June 30, 1920 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Venola died on May 30, 1995 in St. George Utah, and was buried in Heber, Utah. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Venola Ohlwiler Cowley, mother to four, grandmother to 15 and great-grandmother to 41. Teacher to many, and friend to all who knew her. From her many journals: ``I was born the year Utah was made a state. I was the oldest child to John Fredrick and Rhoda Hicken Ohlwiler. I remember the first automobile to come to Heber--not many people paid the 5 cents to ride, because it would never last. Sacrament meeting was interrupted for us to see the first airplane to fly. I have witnessed so many changes in my years. I attended BYU and earned a life-time teaching certificate. I taught school in Heber and then was called to the Western States Mission in 1923. I there met Francis C. Cowley and we were married June 30, 1926 in the Salt Lake Temple. We moved to Venice, Sevier County, where we farmed. I loved my associations with the great people there. After my mother died in 1935, we moved to the family home in Heber to take care of my father. We enjoyed many good friends and experiences here. Francis died suddenly in 1965 and many things changed. I have enjoyed spending time with my children and grandchildren. Music has always been a part of my life, since my father won a piano and I started music lessons when 9 years old. My records show I taught 400 students, and I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them, even those who didn't practice."

In her last five years Mother lived in Cedar City and St. George. Her children pay tribute to her for her unselfish love for them, and for her being willing to accept her loss of independence and still be gentle and loving to all who have had care of her. She is survived by her sister, Nell O. Shaffer, Fairfield, California; brother, her brother Wendell Ohlwiler, Paradise, Utah; by her children, Richard and Helen C. William, Cedar City; Kendall Cowley; John and Wilma Cowley, all of Heber; Melvin and Ruth Annette Montgomery, Jackson, Tennessee; 14 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her sisters and a brother, Thelma Ohlwiler Wootton, LeOra Ohlwiler Lindsay and Ferrin Ohlwiler. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 3rd 1995 in the Heber Third Ward Chapel. Her interment, Heber City Cemetery, Utah. [Deseret News, May 1995.]

Oldroyd, Esther
5295 Burlingame Ave
Buena Park, California 90621-1519

Esther and Gerald Denkers
  • Work: (714) 523-1991

Class of 1953. Chorus, Fauvines, Library Club, Notre Maison, Type Team. Her Parents: William Victor Oldroyd, Sr., BYH Class of 1929, and Hannah Reynolds Oldroyd, married in January of 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They had four sons and four daughters: William Victor Oldroyd [BYH Class of 1951] (Joyce) of Provo; Esther Oldroyd [BYH Class of 1953] (Gerald N.) Denkers of Buena Park, California; Mark Thomas Oldroyd (Virginia) of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Hannah Louise Oldroyd [BYH Class of 1957] (Arlo) Jorgensen of Seal Beach, California; Nancy Oldroyd [BYH Class of 1959] (Richard) Kowallis of Cypress, California; Allen Kent (Anna) of Fairfield, California; Sue Oldroyd [BYH Class of 1969] (Terry) Pyne of Orem; and Robert Oldroyd [BYH Class of 1970s] (Susan) of Provo. @1998

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