LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Jarth Oates was born in McCloud, California, the son of Dorothy Ludwig Oates and Jack Phillip Oates, on Dec. 8, 1932, and passed from this life on Aug. 9, 2021.

Jarth attended a one-room schoolhouse near Calistoga called Tarwater School and later graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1950.

He Joined the National Guard at 17 with some of his buddies, and served six years in reserve duty.

Jarth married young to Marilyn McHale and they had a family of three sons, of which Jarth was very proud. They lived in Santa Rosa where he worked for Bank of America.

He became an apprentice floorcovering installer, eventually moving to Marin County in search of a greater income for his family. He worked hard, often on the weekends, and became an expert in his field.

He took up bowling for relaxation and loved it. He joined the Native Sons of the Golden West in Fairfax where they resided at the time.

Life changed, and Jarth was single for a couple of years and raised his boys on his own in the family home.

He met and married Patricia Ratto (Patty) and they combined families to have six children and purchased a brand-new home in Sleepy Hollow.

The next 10 years were challenging; Jarth served as president of the Native Sons, and was invited to join the Elks Club in San Rafael and obtained his contractors license and went into business as Oates Floorcovering.

Jarth was 50 when most of the children were grown, he was able to retire from floorcovering and receive his union pension.

He decided to change his life and get away from the traffic in Marin; in 1983 the Oateses moved to their lakefront house in Lakeport, which Jarth remodeled room by room. After living there 18 years and being flooded four times, they moved to higher ground and closer to town.

Jarth sold manufactured homes locally for many years, then in 1987, Jarth and Patty bought Lake County Cleaners. For 19 years, their business was known for good customer service and very good work.

They were very active in local groups and activities. Jarth served as president of the Chamber of Commerce twice, president for Early Lake Lions and had fun with the Resort and Restaurant Owners Association.

He was a charter member of the Elks 2704 in Lakeport and enjoyed his participation in Lakeport Rotary. He loved cars, and was on the roster of the No Name Car Club, owned several hot rods, and received numerous trophies and awards for them. He was a fan of local car racing and worked on some of the cars for Stokes Racing.

Jarth was a Realtor with Country Air Properties in his last working years.

He came from humble beginnings and was gratified and proud of his accomplishments in life. He loved all of his family dearly.

Jarth leaves his wife of 49 years, Patty; sons, Norman and Rodney; daughter, Angela Ratto; sister, Beverlee Bennett; half siblings, Jack, Jeff, Frances and Chris Oates; grandsons, Brendon
Egan, Mark and Parker Coggins; granddaughter, Christine Aikin; great-grandchildren; nieces; and a nephew.

He is predeceased by Mark Oates, and Joey and Larry Ratto.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.