Russell "Russ" Ralph Oakley

Russell “Russ” Ralph Oakley, 82 of northern California passed away Sunday February 23, 2025. He was born December 31,1942 in Nicholson, PA to the late Ralph and Charlotte Oakley.

Russ spent most of his adult life in Ukiah CA, where he enjoyed every aspect of rodeo- competing, judging, giving lessons and running his own cattle company. He taught himself to shoe horses as a side hustle to fund his passion for rodeo. He moved up to Lone Pine Ranch in Zenia, CA in 2005 where he found his personal slice of paradise. He loved spending his days at the ranch hunting, running his dogs, helping manage the cattle and hanging out at hunting camp.

He is survived by his loving partner of 30 years Shirley Chisum; his younger siblings, Lynn Oakley (Lori), Keith Oakley, Charlene Hentchel (Phil); children, Sherrilynn Oakley Goates (Bobby), John Oakley (Stacy); grandchildren Lynnzi Goates, Shelby Goates (Tyler), Tony Oakley; great grandchildren (who called him “Yee-Haw”), Ashlynn, Banyan, Max, Kai, Rio, and Maisy.

We will all miss him “whippin a western story”, his contagious larger than life laugh, and his bear hugs.

Celebration of life details to follow