Martha Carolyn Rasdall Oaks

Martha Carolyn Rasdall Oaks, 81, went to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 25, 2026. Martha was a native of Smiths Grove, KY and attended the Methodist Church. Martha had a wonderful childhood growing up as an only child. However, if you did not know this fact, you would believe that she had many siblings because there were always so many people, relatives, and friends visiting her family home. Everyone was welcome. Her ancestors meant so much to Martha and she cherished their personal items and her memories of them. She spent hours researching her genealogy. 

Martha graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in 1970. She was a beloved teacher having taught many grade levels both in schools and in churches. She began her teaching career in 1967 in Owensboro, Kentucky, at Washington Elementary School (now Sutton Elementary). Starting in 1976, she taught at Keneseth Israel, a private school in Louisville, KY, then in the public schools in Bowling Green, Russellville, and Scottsville, KY. Martha retired from teaching in 2005. 

Martha married Bill Oaks, a United Methodist minister in 1974. She was a beloved pastor’s wife and together they served the Bowling Green District and several United Methodist congregations in Central and Western Kentucky. Martha was known for hosting elegant Christmas Open Houses with trays and trays of candy and cookies she made with friends. 

Martha enjoyed needlework and crafts of all types. Gardening was her true passion and her yard was a testament to her green thumb. Martha enjoyed entertaining and decorating for all occasions. Her greatest gift was bringing people together and showering her generous love and attention on others. Her teaching heart was evident as she continued to engage with children, nieces, and nephews throughout her life. 

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, L Carl Rasdall and Louise English Rasdall; her husband of 46 years, Rev. Dr. William E. Oaks; her son, William Brent Oaks; Sister-in-law, Margaret Oaks; Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, J.D. & Jessie Mai Oaks; sister-in-law, Joetta Barger Distler; and nephew Scott Allen Distler. 

Martha is survived by her Brother-in-law, Gene Oaks of Scottsville; niece Arlinda Bowman (Leslie) of Glasgow; nephew David Oaks (Doris) of Bowling Green; niece Jill Collins (Mark) of Louisville, dear friend Marilyn Parham (Freddie) of Lebanon, TN, and numerous precious friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial Donations may be made to the charity of your choice

Friends and family may pay their respects on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Smiths Grove Methodist Church, Main Street, Smiths Grove, KY.  Martha's service will begin at 1:00 p.m.   Burial will follow at Mt. Union Cemetery in Scottsville, Kentucky.  The Staff of Hardy & Son Funeral Chapels is honored to be entrusted with Martha's arrangements.