- Date Of Birth: February 24, 1930
- Date Of Death: November 14, 2016
- State: Iowa
Opal Esther Medearis was born to Arthur and Nellie (Rouse) Gwinn on February 24, 1930 in Lucas Co. Iowa.
She married Lyle Medearis on January 28, 1948. They had five children. Kathy, Kurt, Linda, Tom and Terry. Opal completed 11th grade and then went on to earn her GED after her children were self sufficient. Opal was a homemaker and stay at home mom, as well as helping her husband build a heating and cooling business. After her husband’s death, at an age when most would be making retirement plans, Opal began a career as a volunteer. She spent many hours volunteering at the Chariton Hospital and Senior Citizens Center.
Opal had been living at the Chariton nursing home at the time of her death on November 14, 2016 at the age of 86. She died peacefully surrounded by family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lyle, sons Kurt and Terry, granddaughters Jessica and Melissa, sister Ida and long time companion Lloyd Bell.
Left to cherish memories of her, are her children: Kathy Johnson, Linda (LeRoy) Kaster, Tom (Rhonda) Medearis, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren and her dedicated companion Clifford Gilman. As well as many nieces, nephews and extended relatives.
Opal was a sweet and kind woman. She never met a person that didn’t instantly love her. She will be missed by many.
