Oakes-Fisher Insurance has been an independent insurance agency since it was established in 1934 by Jack Ellis of Owosso. When Jack died an untimely death in the early 40's, his widow Ruth Ellis took over and ran the agency until 1972 when she retired for health reasons. Keeping it in the family, Ruth sold the business to her nephews, John and Jim Oakes, and many thriving years later, they sold it to John's son, Mike Oakes. Over the years, with the purchase of other agencies, the company name changed from the Ellis Agency to Ellis-Oakes to Oakes and Coons, then Oakes Insurance Services, and most recently, to Oakes-Fisher Insurance when long time employee and Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), Renee Fisher (formerly Renee Havalda), became a partner. Renee is licensed in property and casualty, life and health. Other members of the Oakes-Fisher Insurance team include Mary Jo Gray, Laurie Heath, and Leigh Swank who are extended family members with a combined 26 years of service to the agency.