Leota “Oaty” W. Cavanaugh, 89, of Polo, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019, at home with family by her side.
Oaty was born Nov. 16, 1929, in Dixon, the daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Halfman) Manning. She was married in 1949 to her first husband Kenneth Blakeslee who preceded her in Sept. 1954. She then met and married Paul Cavanaugh on May 25, 1957 in Polo until his passing in June of 1997. Oaty was a Beautician in Polo, operating Alure Salon for over 62 years.
Oaty enjoyed gardening, sewing, arts and crafts. Cooking, canning and the company of her loving family and friends was a very special part of her life.
Survivors include daughter Teresa (Roy) Wolber of Polo; sons Paul (Donna) Cavanaugh Jr, of Polo, Timothy (Stacey) Cavanaugh of Polo, Ron Blakeslee of Polo, Kenneth (Margaret) Blakeslee Jr. of Rock Falls; sister LaVonne M. Blakeslee; 13 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren; many Nieces and Nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son Peter Cavanaugh; daughter-in-law Jean Ann Blakeslee; 5 brothers; 4 sisters.
Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 18, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 211 N. Franklin Ave. in Polo, with Rev. Joseph P. Naill officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Polo immediately following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name.
Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com
