Oakshade co-founder dies at 87
Donna Green, the co-founder of the family-operated Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon, Ohio, a grassroots Late Model dirt track that spawned many standout racers, died Tuesday at The Toledo Hospital. The Delta, Ohio, resident was 87.
Green, who with late husband James Ehrsam founded the 3/8-mile oval 50 years ago, later operated the track for many years with second husband Jon Green with a variety family members always playing key roles at the northwestern Ohio facility.
“It was grandma's land and his dream,” granddaughter Chrissy Henricks told the Toledo Blade of the track’s genesis.
Oakshade, a stalwart on the DIRTcar Summer Nationals (with the “Birthday Race” celebrating the late Jon Green’s birthday) and host of annual Late Model specials including the Barney Oldfield Memorial, announced Green's passing with “heavy hearts,” praising “our matriarch, our legacy.” Her obituary touted her “love, resilience and an unwavering spirit.”
Along with Chrissy Henricks, survivors include sons James and Ron, daughter Pam Henricks, 13 other grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora, Ohio. The funeral is 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home followed by interment at Lyons Cemetery. Find a complete obituary at weigelfuneralhomes.com.
