June Dixon Oaks - wife of Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve - died Tuesday, July 21, 1998, in her Salt Lake City home after a battle with cancer for more than a year.
She was a devoted member of the Church, having served as an officer or teacher in its auxiliary organizations all of her adult life.Sister Oaks' first priority was always her family. She taught her children to love God, to seek education and to make music.
She was a graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree completed 14 years and five children after her initial enrollment.
For nine years, from 1971 to 1980, Sister Oaks was the "First Lady" of BYU while her husband served as the university's president. She was described as a role model and friend for its students, faculty, staff and alumni. In behalf of the university she was hostess for countless dignitaries, arranging dinners in her home for former President Gerald Ford and Supreme Court justices of the United States, and dignitaries from the Soviet Union.
She was a loyal and effective supporter of her husband in his callings and employment. As the wife of a General Authority of the Church for more than 14 years, her testimony, wisdom and love have been heard and felt by tens of thousands throughout the world.
Sister Oaks lived in Illinois 16 years, Washington, D.C., area for one year, and in Utah for the rest of her life.
She was active in many arts activities, including serving for eight years by appointment of two Utah governors on the Utah Arts Council. She also had served as a board member of the Utah Symphony Guild, and as co-chair of the symphony's Outreach program in the public schools.
Sister Oaks was also active physically. For more than 20 years she ran or walked three miles each day except Sundays, and played tennis several times each week.
She was born March 24, 1933, in Provo, Utah, and was raised in nearby Spanish Fork. She was one of six children born to Charles Hyrum Dixon and True Call Dixon, and was an identical twin.
She and Elder Oaks were married June 24, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. Sister Oaks' survivors include Elder Oaks, six children - Sharmon Ward, Rockford, Ill.; Cheri Lynn Ringger, Orem, Utah; Lloyd D. Oaks, Tacoma, Wash.; Dallin D. Oaks, Buena Vista, Va.; TruAnn Boulter, Orem, Utah; Jenny June Baker, New York City - her mother; a brother and four sisters; 23 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m. in the Salt Lake Monument Park North Stake Center. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery.
