Evelyn M. Oates, age 72 of Rodney, passed away Monday, August 10, 2015 at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born March 15, 1943 in Rodney, the daughter of David and Florence (Aris) Dexter. Evelyn graduated from Mecosta High School. She loved spending time with her family. Evelyn was a loving and caring mother and grandmother who took care of many children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Big Rapids Free Methodist Church. Evelyn enjoyed attending Gospel Jamborees and Revivals, flower gardens, hand making quilts and crocheting. She was a very giving person and she will be greatly missed. Evelyn was survived by her children, Ernest Cook, Eugene Cook, Evelyn Nieves and Sidney (April) Oates; step-children, Edith "Ginger" Tinney, Melvina "Bina" (Robert) Bonner, Rosalie "Rosie" (William) Arms and Beatrice "Bio" Young; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Hilda Morden, Ruthie Norlock, Dorothy Kohlhoff, David (Sally) Dexter, Alfred (Janet) Dexter, Martin Dexter, William (Vicky) Dexter, Dora Keaton; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sidney Oates; siblings, George Dexter and Martha Stahl; step-children, Robert Oates, Albert Oates and Katherine Town. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2015 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Scott Gibbons officiating. The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday the 17th prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Evelyn's name to the Big Rapids Free Methodist Church. Funeral Service Monday, August 17, 2015 01:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307