Delma "Jean" Oates, 88, of Chillicothe, passed away 12:50 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Valley View Care Center following a brief illness.

She was born February 23, 1936 in Pennsboro, WV to the late Frank Sr. and Esta B. Mason Oates.

Surviving are children, Theresa (Shawn) McCoy, of Chillicothe and Todd Oates, of Columbus; grandchildren, Jessica (Ryan) Streitenberger, of Kingston, Jeremiah (Karis) Oates, of Chillicothe, Callie Oates (Will Kille) of Chillicothe, and Collin McCoy of Columbus.   Several great-grandchildren; a brother Deen (Alice) Oates, of Allen, TX; sister, Carolyn Barlage, of Chillicothe; brother-in-law, Bill Tyo, of Chillicothe; sisters-in-law, Wanda Oates and Beulah Oates, both of Chillicothe; numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family members.  She was predeceased by sisters, Beverly Tyo, Betty Oates, Peggy Conley, Pam Cornerstone, Nancy Oates and Nikki Oates; brothers, James F. Jr., Alford Olin, Clarence "Pickle", Donald, Norvel, Larry, and William Oates; and brother-in-law, Henry Barlage.

Jean retired from General Electric in Circleville.

Jean could be described as kind and loving, but also ornery. She would give you her last penny, the shoes off her feet, or the last piece of her favorite dessert. You would often hear her make a joke she probably shouldn't, followed with a loud laugh.  She enjoyed gathering for her regular breakfasts with her sisters at Bob Evans, followed by more chatter and a light lunch at her sister Carolyn's. She enjoyed reading, Elvis, old country music, especially her man Willie Nelson, a multitude of thrift store trips for more "junk", riding around for hours looking at Christmas lights, drives to and picnics at Pike Lake, a breezy lunch under the trees in the city park, feeding the ducks, Crispie Cream donuts, a good milkshake, and time with her family.

She will be missed by so many, but we find comfort in the fact that she is no longer suffering.

The family would like to thank Valley View Care Center and Heartland Hospice of Circleville for all the care they provided.

Calling hours will be observed from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME.  Jean elected cremation and a small private service will be held at a later date in Greenlawn Cemetery, Chillicothe.

You may sign her online register at www.warefh.com