"The most grace-filled lady with the gift of love pouring out of every inch of her. Jane and Arlan, what else is so precious than the deep abiding love of a mother who embodies the love of Jesus Christ. Miss all of you at Farragut. I know her greeting in heaven was "very well done good and faithful servant.- enter into your rest." She was the most beautiful person I ever knew. "
In loving memory of
Opal M. Smith
May 22, 1921 - February 14, 2014
Opal Marie Smith daughter of George Sante Fe and Clara Alice (Starnes) Bunn was born May 22, 1921 in Rock Port, Missouri. She passed away February 14, 2014 in Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 92.
Opal's family moved often but she grew up in the Clarinda area. In 1938 her parents moved to Northboro while she stayed in Clarinda to care for a blind lady named Anna Blakeman.
Opal was united in marriage to Kenneth Eldon Smith on August 21, 1939 in Maryville, Missouri. Their married life took them first to Westboro, Missouri. They eventually moved south of Farragut, Iowa to raise a family.
Opal was a member of United Methodist Church of Farragut, United Methodist Church Women Society, Farragut Community Club, and Dancing Grannies. She also helped with Kids Club and oversaw the Anchor Apartments. She enjoyed flowers, making crafts, alter steward and performing hat shows.
Opal was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Smith, daughter Judy, parents George and Clara Bunn, brother Bud Bunn.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons Eldon Smith and wife Karen of Glenwood, Iowa, and Ronald Smith and wife Judy of Sarasota, Florida, daughter Janet Meske and husband Arlan of Farragut, Iowa, grandchildren Ray Smith and wife Tena of Salina, Kansas, Lance Smith of Hays, Kansas, Kelly Wrona and husband Bruce of Gretna, Nebraska, Lisa Blackburn and husband Dan of Malvern, Iowa, Kim Jones and husband Don of Glenwood, Iowa, Lori Chenoweth and husband Brian of Des Moines, Iowa, Tanya Nightser and husband Mitch of Glenwood, Iowa, Deonn Lincoln and husband Fenton of Glenwood, Iowa, and Denelle Tucker and husband Jim of Glenwood, Iowa, Julia Gabbard of Chicago, Illinois, 21 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, sister Sarah Welchans and husband Wilbur of Riverton, Iowa, numerous other family and friends.
Funeral services were held on Monday, February 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farragut United Methodist Church. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Bruce Hauswirth. Attending the memory register were Margo Bateman and Sherry Shearer. Ushers were Fenton Lincoln, Dan Blackburn and Jim Tucker. Musical selections were "Take My Hand Precious Lord", "The Lord's Prayer" and "Peace In The Valley". Pianist was Terry Stafford. Casket bearers were Ray Smith, Lance Smith, Brian Chenoweth, Mitch Nightser, Don Jones and Bruce Wrona. Burial was in the Farragut Cemetery. Memorials are being directed to the Farragut United Methodist Church Women in Opal's name.
Tributes
"Eldon, Ronnie, and Janet, we just saw on the website of Opal's passing and are so sorry we didn't learn of it sooner. We have so many memories of Opal when she was a neighbor when I, Joyce was a child, then our neighbor when Larry and I were first married, and a special person in church and the Farragut community. We are so sorry we weren't there at this time as we are in AZ. I could write pages of the memories that are coming to me, of Opal wall papering rooms in that old house we lived in, of the special May baskets she made when I was little, of the play house she made in an old corn crib for Judy and I got to use it too, of Centennial club, and many more. Our deepest sympathy for a life well lived, but it was a blessing at this time."
"Janet, Lori and family, I am so sorry to hear about Opal's passing. She was such a kind wonderful woman. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Barb Martin"
"I am so sorry to hear of Opal's passing. She was a dear friend of my mother Harriett and father Leo Raymond. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Opal was such a sweet, caring, and genuine person. Opal and Kenny were friends of my grandparents, aunt, and parents for many years. Opal was a wonderful neighbor and caring friend to Elizabeth during her battle with cancer. She is in heaven now having a reunion with her loved ones and is at peace after a life well lived."
"Opal was such a friendly, warm, sincere, talented and special lady. She will be missed by so many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
"Janet and family, I will always remember the visiting done at your mom & dad's on the farm- what great neighbors and friends!! She was a "special" lady- may your memories keep you strong and God's loving arms embrace you:)"
"Janet, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Opal. What a special lady she was. She always greeted me with a smile. It seems ironic that such a big heart should stop beating on Valentine's Day. "
"Dear Eldon, Ronnie, and Janet, So very sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. What a special lady she was. My deepest condolences to all of you and your families."