Lois Oates

Lois Oates, a resident of Santa Barbara for 53 years, died peacefully on Jan. 16 at Cottage
Hospital. She was 90. She was born in Menard, TX and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music
Education from Texas State College for Women, now Texas Women’s University. Lois married
Roger Oates in 1945. They had four children.

Lois and Roger and their children lived all over the country and settled in Santa Barbara in 1961.

Lois made life-long friends in every place she lived. Lois was an accomplished pianist and bridge
player. She was fortunate to have traveled all over the world. Most of all, she was a loving wife,
mother and grandmother, and a wonderful friend.

Lois loved Santa Barbara. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, AAUW,
Friendship Force, and PEO , and she was an enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts.

Lois will be fondly remembered by family members and many wonderful friends. She is survived
by her children Charlotte Smith (Brian), Peggy Fritschel (Don), Charlie Oates (Moira Keefe), and
Carol Oates (Richard Moss), grandchildren Glen Smith, Katie Davis (Sean), Brianna Keefe-Oates,
Rakaia Keefe-Oates, Julia Moss, and Alex Moss, great-grandchildren Ella Davis and Nina Davis,
brother Fred Wilkinson (Amanda) and four nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her
beloved husband and two brothers.

A Memorial Service for Lois Oates was Sunday, Jan. 25 at First Presbyterian
Church, 21 E. Constance. In lieu of flowers, make donations in Lois Oates’ name to First
Presbyterian Church Music, in order to continue the wonderful music Lois enjoyed so much.