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Obituary for Opal Maye Potter
Opal Maye Potter, 96, of Rockford, Illinois, formerly of Stuart passed away on Monday, October 19, 2015 at The Villa at PA Peterson in Rockford, IL. Graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the South Oak Grove Cemetery in Stuart. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Stuart Rescue Unit and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Opal was born May 4, 1919 in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Dr. Edward T. and Florence (Gifford) Brunson. She was one of seven children. She graduated from Bayard High School, Bayard, Iowa with the class of 1937.
Opal married Howard Potter on February 5, 1941. They purchased a farm near Stuart, Iowa where they enjoyed living for 63 years.
Opal worked as a telephone operator, at the Stuart Herald Newspaper and later at Belden Insurance Company in Stuart, Iowa besides raising a family and helping with farm work.
She was an active member of the Stuart Methodist Church serving on committees providing and serving food for various events. She was a member of garden club, UMW, Rebeccas and Eastern Star where she was a past Noble Grand. She had a large garden and enjoyed quilting, reading and crafts. Her love of music and ability to play the harp and piano brought joy to others. She loved cooking and baking and spending time helping her family and friends. The grandchildren always remember the tea parties whenever they visited.
Throughout the years Opal faced many medical challenges with courage and without complaints. Her strong faith, sense of humor, fierce independence and undaunting spirit was an inspiration to all.
After Howard’s death June 25, 2004, Opal moved to Rockford, IL and was a resident of Fairview Assisted Living for several years and PA Peterson for nine years.
Survivors include daughters, Janet (Bob) Justus of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Patricia (Gerry) DeHaven of Rockford, IL; son, William Potter of Rockford, IL; grandsons, Scott Justus, Blake Justus, Chad (Tonia) Phippen, Nate (Val) Phippen, Tory (Leah) Phippen and step-grand-daughters, Stacy Bobay and Laura Groom; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of friends that will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Howard Potter and grandson, Kyle Justus.
Special thank you to all the staff at PAP for their compassionate care for Opal.
