Opal Parker

More than anything, the importance of family and spending time at the trailer on Rose Lake was above all, Opal Parker's greatest joys. A shy, young girl, she grew to be a devoted wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, and dear friend to all. She enjoyed simple things, like reading, working in her garden and going to bingo, but family always remained the center of her heart. Gone but never to be forgotten, the very thought of Opal will remain a treasure.

With the end of World War I, the year 1919 marked a time of great change. Young men returned home from war amid a booming post-war economy while Prohibition was established across the nation. In the close knit community of Shepardsville, Michigan, nestled in the warmth of home on her family farm, Opal Bernice entered the world on May 6, 1919, the daughter of Lewis and Mable (Longcor) Kosht.

Opal was the sixth of eventually seven children in their bustling household, and there was never a lack of anyone to play or to do chores with. She enjoyed a typical childhood for the times and attended the country schoolhouse. Although rather shy, she thoroughly enjoyed time spent swimming at Baker's gravel pit in the heat of the summers with her siblings and friends. Along with her studies, Opal, like any child who grew up on a family farm, had her share of daily chores around the house and farm. She milked the cows, raised chickens and sold butter produced on the farm. She later went to work for her two older brothers in their mint fields.

The hardships of the Great Depression during Opal's teen years affected every corner of the nation, and the community of Shepardsville was no exception. Thankfully, she and her family knew how to live off the land for which they had been blessed. Albeit a struggle at times, they stuck together and made it through these challenging times.

Reading was one of Opal's favorite pastimes and she did so at every opportunity. Even though she loved reading, she didn't particularly care for school. She did, however, enjoy the social aspect, especially when she began attending Ovid High School. Quiet and very shy, Opal met her future husband, Henry Parker while in high school. She went on to graduate in 1937, and after dating for some time, Henry was getting impatient. He told Opal if she didn't marry him by the first of the year, he was going to move on to someone else! With those words, Opal finally agreed. Not wanting to waste time, Henry convinced Opal they needed to marry in Angola, Indiana as marriages took place quickly without the requirement of a marriage license and blood tests there. Indeed, they began their life together as husband and wife in December of 1938, just prior to the New Year!

Opal and Henry made their home in Ovid where they raised their family and lived for the rest of their days. They welcomed three children into their lives when Clare, Sandy and Keith came along. Opal made a good home for Henry and the kids. As a couple, she and Henry shared a very unique, yet strong relationship. Opal was always the calming influence while he tended to be more excitable. Although she wasn’t an overly affectionate mother, her children knew how much she loved them.

A great cook and exceptional baker, Opal canned peaches, pears, and even froze strawberries from her garden for her family to savor throughout the long winters. She always made sure to have fresh baked cookies at home waiting for her family, and liked baking cookies for friends, as well. No longer as shy as she once was, she thoroughly enjoyed having people over to their home on the farm to play euchre and socialize for long afternoons.

As a family, they spent much time at their travel trailer up at Rose Lake which was Opal's favorite place to be. Entire summers were enjoyed there making wonderful memories boating, swimming and fishing. She loved socializing with the seasonal residents at the lake and made many good friends over the years. Those days were very important to Opal and it was a special place for her children, too.

Along with raising her family, Opal worked in the laundry at the Ovid Nursing home before taking care of children in her home as a childcare provider. She later worked at Sheldon’s Meat Packing House before retiring. Among other things, like playing bingo anywhere, at any time, she was a member of the Acme Society and later volunteered at Ovid Healthcare. For many years she attended the United Church of God of Ovid. Throughout her life, Opal was a hard, tireless worker. She never complained and simply did what needed to be done as family was very important to her. Eventually, when grandchildren came along, she enjoyed taking care of them whenever she could.

Life began taking its toll on Henry and Opal. After suffering a series of various illnesses, he sadly died on August 14, 1988. Strong of heart, Opal continued on. It was difficult at times, but she had the help, love and care from family and friends. Life for Opal and her family changed in 2009 when she developed Alzheimer's Disease. She required round-the-clock care, and in December of 2011 she moved to Ovid Healthcare. As her illness progressed, the effects and consequences were simply too much for Opal. On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, Opal Parker sadly passed away at the age of 92.

Opal is survived by her son, Clare Parker, daughter, Sandy Kettler, and son, Keith (Patti) Parker, all of Ovid; her grandchildren, Gregg (Holly) Criner and Gary (Bob Sauer) Criner, both of Ovid, Kim (Kip) Scott of St. Johns, Kristopher Parker of Ovid, Kelly (Jodi) Parker of St. Johns, Eric (Jackie) Parker and Clint Parker, both of Ovid, and Maggie Parker of Philadelphia, PA; step-grandson, Jon Ewell of Virginia Beach, VA; 14 great-grandchildren; her sister, Martha Wilson of Corunna; sister-in-law, Ila Kosht of Ovid; many nieces, nephews and other loving family members. Those who preceded her death include her husband, brothers, Angus Kosht, Elvin Kosht, Willis Kosht, Donavon Kosht, and sister, Adra Wittenberg.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 4, 2012, with Pastor Greg Buchner officiating at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Opal's family will receive friends Saturday at 12:00 PM prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Ovid-Middlebury Fire and Ambulance Department or to the United Church of Ovid. Special thanks to her wonderful in-home caregiver, Cindy. To learn more about Opal, view her Life Story film, share a favorite memory or photo, and to sign her online guest book, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/77743.