Connie Oakley

Connie Lynn Oakley, 56, of Billings, MT, passed away on February 14, 2025. She was born on July 2, 1968, in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, to Larry Lee Rea and Theresia Becker Moore. Connie grew up in Germany and Cadiz, KY.

Connie graduated from Trigg County High School in 1986. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Reading and Writing from Murray State University. After 23 years of service, she retired as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force. Following her military career, Connie worked as a teacher. She taught for 9 years at Hardin Middle School in Hardin, MT, 1 year at Lockwood Primary School in Lockwood, MT, and 1 year at Caldwell County Primary in Princeton, KY.

On June 12, 2005, Connie married Jeffery J. Oakley in Cadiz, KY.

Connie enjoyed camping with friends and family, spending time with her grandchildren, watching Nashville Predators hockey, and exploring the outdoors in Montana. She had a love for life and made lasting memories with those she held dear.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, Larry Lee Rea.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffery J. Oakley; her mother, Theresia Moore; her daughters, Dee Dee Rea, Shamarie Oakley, and Tiffany Rea (daughter-in-law); her sons, Dexter Rea and Cameron Oakley; her brothers, Hans Juergen Becker, Johnny Rea (sister-in-law, Christine Rea) and Tommy Rea (sister-in-law, Staci Rea); her grandchildren: Connor Long, Cadence Rea, Emma Oakley, Isaac Rea, and Isaiah Rea; and her nieces: Amber Rea Detwiler (spouse, Dalton Detwiler), Libby Rea, Chelsea Hosey (spouse, Zachary), Kasta Rea, and Fay Rea.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future in Hardin, MT, and Cadiz, KY. The family is deeply grateful for the support during this time.

Memorial donations may be made to local charities supporting education or military veterans.