Vivian Oates (nee
Dye), 86, left this world peacefully on December 20, 2018, surrounded by her
loving family.
Vivian was born on
October 1, 1932, to Lacy and Sally (Gallagher) Dye, who preceded her in
death. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Karl, J. Kennell, and
C. Clifford Dye; and her son, William “Billy” Oates.
Vivian is survived
by her husband of many wonderful, golf and sunshine filled years, Eugene
Oates, along with their children, Tom (Anne) Groark, Kenny (Peggy) Groark
and Terry (Jim) Wuletich. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren,
April (David) Sitzenstock, Melanie Pancek, Kenny Groark, Tonya Groark,
Christopher Groark, Samantha (Aaron Johnson) Wuletich and Steven Wuletich,
along with her great-grandchildren, Taylor Guse and Logan Pancek, in
addition to many other loving relatives.
Vivian graduated
from Lew Wallace High School and remained a lifelong region resident,
devoted to her family and friends. Vivian will be remembered for her
artistry--whether a painting on canvas or a sharpie marker smile drawn on a
golf ball, her love for and pride in her family, her deep friendships with
the Tuesday card ladies and golfing friends, her wild sense of humor, and
her incredible strength. Her final months were made sweeter by the loving
staffs at Brookdale Memory Care Center and Dunes Hospice, for which her
family is eternally grateful.
A memorial service
will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., at Edmonds & Evans
Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304.
Visitation will be
held on January 10, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until time of service at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers,
the family requests that you please consider a donation to the American
Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Viv was a fighter,
survivor, and then a fighter again until the end.