GARNER - Opal Arnold, 93, of Fruita, CO, formerly of Garner, died Friday (April 24, 2009) at Family Health West Care Center in Fruita, CO.

Memorial services will be held 11 A.M., Wednesday, May 6th at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner. Inurnment will be in Concord Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Opal Mae Arnold, the daughter of Earl and Lela Ferleman was born February 8, 1916, at Mason City. After graduating from Mason City High School in 1935, she attended La' James School of Cosmetology and then owned and operated "Opal's Beauty Shop" in Rudd. In March of 1940, she was married to Gregg Arnold. He joined the Marines and she followed him to San Diego until he was sent overseas for 3 years. During this time she lived and worked in Mason City. After the war, they managed a fishing resort in Minnesota and then moved to South Dakota. They eventually settled in Garner where they lived for over 50 years. In 2002, Opal moved to Colorado to be closer to her only child, Mary Jo Smith. Volunteering and doll collecting kept her busy in her retirement.

She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Garner where she served as Naomi Ruth Circle secretary and was a Sunday School teacher. She was also a Bible guide for Stonecroft Ministries, and a member of the Garner VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries.

Opal is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo (Greg) Smith of Glenwood Springs, CO; granddaughter, Heather (Mark) Wilson of Des Moines; grandsons, Joshua (Lorena) Smith of Des Moines and Nathan (Kelly) Smith of Denver, CO; three great granddaughters; a great grandson; and a sister, Thora Draper of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gregg; parents; a sister and a brother. ... Read More