Oakley N. Tjaden, of Grant, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Denver, Colorado.
Oakley was born on May 7, 2019 in Grant, Nebraska to Casey & Nicole (Frerichs) Tjaden, the youngest of their four children. She was baptized on June 30, 2019 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Grant.
God works in magnificent ways, and Oakley's life exampled all the signs of His grace and goodness. Filled with life, joy, and vibrancy, Oakley was walking sunshine. Everyone in the family wanted to pick her up and hold her, or just be in her presence. She loved music and had her own little dances she would perform. Oakley's favorite animals were cows and puppies, though if you asked her about it, they were called "buppies." One of Oakley's greatest joys was teasing her daddy. When he would say "Oakley, give me that paci, I'll put it in my pocket," she would hide it in her diaper or behind her back. Her heart-warming, ornery smile always won daddy over. Oakley rarely let Mommy get a full night's rest. She was always wanting to snuggle, chat or giggle with mommy when everyone else was sleeping. These late night moments with Oakley are now some of mommy's favaotire memories.
Oakley had a goofy laugh that had a way of drawing out the laughter of others. She adored her siblings and was so happy growing up in their presence as if her place were always among them, and in a sense, it always will be. She, in turn, made their lives brighter. Porter enjoyed reading Oakley her favorite books and taking her on wagon rides. Parker loved being the first one to tell her good morning, getting her out of her crib, greeting her with hugs and kisses, and pulling her around the house on a blanket. Cora was proud to be named the big sister and enjoyed playing Barbies and dolls with Oakley, as long as it was under Cora's terms. They also enjoyed playing outside together and riding in their electric Barbie car.
Oakley was indeed a ray of light we never knew we needed. People around her often described her as happy, a pure joy, and an angel. While it is heartbreaking that her infectious smile is gone from our sight, we know that she has returned to the very source of love, grace, and goodness. Jesus said "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these." God's grace is abounding and persistent, finding comfort and peace in all situations.
Oakley was preceded in death by her great grandparents, Gerald & Theone Kent, Erwin & Doris Frerichs, Frand & Lela Tjaden, and Henry & Esther Smith; and a great-aunt, Marcia Frazier.
Survivors include her parents, Casey & Nicole Tjaden and siblings, Porter, Parker & Cora Tjaden all of Grant, Nebraska; grandparents, Mike & Marcia Frerichs of Grant, NE and Roger & Bernita Tjaden of Madrid, NE; aunts and uncles, Ryan & Michaela Potts of Grant, NE, Aron & Alicia Beck of Lincoln, NE, Gayle & Terese Tjaden of Waverly, NE, Kelly & Jill Tjaden of Conifer, CO, Darin Tjaden of Madrid, NE, Jennifer Tjaden of Madrid, NE, and Shawn & Jenny Tjaden of Grant, NE; 19 first cousins; and countless friends & other relatives.
A memorial has been established in Oakley's memory for a later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live for those unable to attend.
Services will be on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time at Zion Lutheran Church in Grant, Nebraska with Pastor Pat Riley officiating. Interment will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.