Zona Catherine Oakes, 99, passed away Monday, April 10, 2017 at The Manor in Morrisville. Zona was born in Stowe on July 23, 1917, the only daughter of Hanibal and Julia (McAuliffe) Spaulding. She lived all her life in Stowe and attended the elementary and high schools there.

On June 21, 1940, she married Lester K. Oakes and they lived in the large old Oakes home in the Stowe Lower Village, currently known as the PowerShift building. In 1969, they moved to their home on Maple Street. For many years, Zona worked for the Victor Coty family. She and Lester cared for the three Coty children-Anne, Lewis and Dore-when they were young, and both loved them as if they were their own children. Zona also cared for several other Stowe children in her home, and she was known as “Onie” by several of them.

Zona belonged to the Stowe Community Church for many years. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #64 and served as Sergeant at Arms for a few years.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Lester and all her brothers-Lyle, Lloyd, Lynn and Wayne.

Zona is survived by her beloved Anne (Coty) and John Steel, Lewis and Audrey Coty, Dore Cory Firth and their children’s families. Also surviving are many Spaulding nieces and nephew; Lloyd’s daughters, Phyllis, Janice and Betty Sue and their families; Wayne’s sons, David and Dennis and their families; and Lyle’s son and daughter, Patrick and Patsy and their families; also many beloved Oakes nieces and nephews, and many Spaulding and Oakes cousins.

Zona has resided for the last four years at The Manor nursing facility, Morrisville. The family wishes to express their full gratitude and appreciation for the care, attention, support and treatment provided to Zona by the staff.

A memorial service will be held at the Stowe Community Church on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 11 AM. Burial will follow at the Riverbank Cemetery where she will be interred in the Spaulding/Oakes lot.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Stowe Community Church or to the Riverbank Cemetery for Remembrance Program.

Faith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.