OATES, Katherine M. Of Portage Died Friday January 5, 2007 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Katherine was born January 30, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Peter and Mayme Mog Galetto. On July 19, 1941, she was united in marriage to John William Oates. Katherine and John resided for many years in the Detroit/Allen Park area, moving to Portage in 1994. John preceded Katherine in death on October 28, 2005. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Joseph Galetto and a sister, Dorothy Clincher. Surviving are four sons, William P. Oates, John M. Marilyn Oates, Ronald A. Mary Elizabeth ?Betsy? Oates and Gary M. Barbara Oates; one daughter, Carol A. Jerry Ebel; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Elaine Cardinal; a brother, Gerald Galetto. Katherine was a devoted wife and mother and an excellent cook and homemaker. She volunteered in many ways throughout her life, in scouting, as a room mother, for her church, and several area non-profit organizations. She worked side-by-side with her husband as his administrative assistant in his insurance business. She also was a licensed independent insurance agent. Although she refuted it, she was considered a ?saint? by her husband and children. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 8, from 9-10 am at the St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church 1150 W. Centre St. where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Monday with Father Kevin Covert and Rev. Brian Ebel, presiding. A committal service will be held in Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials in Katherine?s memory may be directed to Loaves and Fishes, 914 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave.
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