Barbara Anne Oates was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 81.  She was born to William and Mary Elizabeth Hunsaker; after the passing of her father, her mother married Frank E. Helle who adopted Barb and her two younger sisters. 

She was proceeded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Jerome F. Oates and her beloved daughter, Kathleen A. Oates. She is survived by her daughters Karen (Jim) Stiebel and Terri (Chris Linnemeyer) Minter, and her son Tim (Donna) Oates. She is also survived by her grandchildren Justin, Mackenzie, Clayton, Logan, Paxton, Cameron, Alec, and Jordan, as well as her many brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Barb was a long-time parishioner of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Webster Groves, Missouri and was active in many parish organizations. She was always on the go. Over the years she enjoyed playing tennis, antiquing, day trips, camping, and her monthly card games with the Card Club. She worked part-time in various positions in the medical field as she raised her family and as a caregiver to the elderly after her retirement.