Bessie Yonetani Oakes

Bessie Yonetani Oakes

July 16, 1945 ~ March 03, 2022

Bessie Yonetani Oakes passed away on March 03, 2022 at the age of 76 after a long bout with medical issues. She was born July 16, 1945 to Yukimi and Tatsuo "Kay" Yonetani in Ogden, Utah. She graduated from Ogden High School and received her BS and MS from the University of Utah.

She began her career with the Granite School District, and later went to work for the State of Utah for the Utah State Library for the Blind and Disabled. She retired from the State after thirty-six years of service as the Program Manager for the library. Bessie was an avid reader and a sports fan especially for the University of Utah teams, Utah Jazz, and the Denver Broncos.

Bessie is survived by her siblings Glen (Nanette), Dale (Emelita), Mage (Wm Case), and Dennis; two stepsons Jeff (Rosa) Oakes and Ben (June) Oakes; nieces Jessica Yonetani and Lindsay (Dan) Wilbur; nephew Conner Yonetani and grandniece Yumiko Wilbur; grandchildren Jeff Oakes Jr., Amanda Oakes, Nicole Oakes, and Cody Oakes, her beloved uncle Ben Tsuchida, and various cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband John, parents, sister Nina, and stepson Brian.

Thank you to the doctors and staff that helped Bessie especially Drs. Daines, Gregg, Desaultels, and Gopinath.

A private family Graveside Service will be held and officiated by Rev. Jerry Hirano of the Buddhist Church. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Utah Food Bank, or Humane Society of Utah, or the Utah Library for the Blind and Disabled.