Carmen

Oakes

Carmen Oakes, 85, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026 in Snowflake, Arizona. She was born September 2, 1941 in Miami, Arizona, the daughter of Lawrence Eugene Cluff and Naomi Waite.

Carmen lived almost all her life in her beloved St. Johns, Arizona. She was a proud member of the St. Johns High School class of 1959 and a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her little community and always served those in need. Service to others was very important to her.

Carmen’s sons and their families were always her top priority. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; giving them her unconditional love. The bond each one of them has with “grammy” was very special. Our family matriarch will be missed by each and every one of us.

Carmen is survived by her sons, Rusty (Tami) Oakes, St. Johns; Donnie Oakes, St. Johns; Waylon (Laura) Oakes, Las Vegas, Nevada; Chris (Kari) Oakes, Eagar; brother, Dave (Vanita) Oakes, sisters, DeAnna VanMeter, Las Vegas, Nevada; Cheryl Witt, Casa Grande; 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Art Oakes, parents and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Russ and Audrey Oakes.

A viewing will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns downtown building, followed by a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will also be held at the church at 1:00 p.m.