Mrs. Oates was born Elizabeth Veronica Fritschen, the daughter of Peter G. and Katherine M. Fritschen on Aug. 26, 1912, in Dorrance. She was a homemaker.

She married Eugene B. Oates on Dec. 26, 1935, in Minneapolis.

She was preceded in death by her husband, in 1996; and two grandsons, Michael and Robert Wortman.

Survivors include two daughters, Donna E. Wortman of Hutchinson and Judith Ann Baalman of Quincy, Calif.; a sister, Veronica Lind of Sunland, Calif.; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 230 E. Cloud, Salina. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Salina.

A vigil will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401.

Memorials may be made to Buhler Sunshine Nursing Home or St. Mary Church Endowment Fund.