Barbara E. Oates

Barbara Ellen Oates, 59, of Fithian, passed away at 4:35 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Provena Covenant Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. Barbara was born on September 6, 1948 in Danville, the daughter of Vance Walter Jack and Helen Maxine (Swaim) Bensyl. She is survived by her son- Chris (Stephanie) Oates of Philo, Illinois; one daughter- Angela Oates of Danville; five grandchildren- Sydney Oates, Dylan Oates and Logan Oates of Philo and KaiMirra Oates of Danville and a future grandchild on the way; two brothers- Ronald (Judy) Bensyl of Danville and Jim (Connie) Bensyl of Perrysville, Indiana; several nieces and nephews; and all of her co-workers and close family friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Barbara graduated from Oakwood High School in 1966. After high school she attended DACC. She worked at Danville Metal Stamping for 17 years as an Human Resources Assistant. She was involved every year as the Director of the Picnic Committee at Danville Metal Stamping. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, playing cards and spending time with her grandchildren. Barbaras greatest accomplishment was raising her two children on her own. A Celebration of the Life of Barbara Ellen Oates will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Sunsets Oakwood Chapel. Visitation will be from 9:00 " 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial will be at Stearns Cemetery in Fithian following the service. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Lung Association. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.