Opal Marie Egner, beloved mother to four children, at 96, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Rock Creek Nursing of Ottawa, KS where she had been a resident for the past 16 months. Opal lived most of her life in rural Johnson County near Olathe, KS; rural Franklin County near Lane and in Waverly, KS in Coffey County.
Opal was born July 1, 1927, at home in rural Olathe, KS to James Patrick Enright and Othella Lucille Logan-Enright. She was the oldest of 9 children. She graduated from Olathe High School in 1944 at which time she met the love of her life, Fred Leroy Egner, who was in the Navy and stationed at the Olathe Naval Base. Their first date was on February 14th, Valentines Day 1944, and they were married on April 29th, 1944. Opal worked several years as a seamstress and many years at King Radio as a line worker and later as supervisor. She retired from King Radio after 30+ years.
Opal loved gardening, canning, crocheting, traveling, sewing, cooking, music, and dancing.
To this marriage 5 children were born, 4 daughters and one son. Opal loved her family unconditionally.
After retirement she enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and watched her family grow as great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren arrived. Before her death there were 2 daughters with 5 generations from her to the great-great-grandchildren. Most of all she enjoyed the weekend dances in Paola, KS, where she could waltz all night long.
Opal leaves behind three sisters: Wanda Enright-Reno, Kathryn Enright-Reynolds and Florence Enright-Doyle; three daughters: Janet Lee-James, (twin) Janice (Bill)Haddock, and Marge (Tom)Martin; nine grandchildren: Robin Heim, Renee (Jerry)Finks, Rochelle Lee, Kevin Martin, Christine (Chris)Yeaman, Courtney (Mike)Moloney, Cody (Katelyn)Haddock, Brandi Clearwater, Brandon Egner; twenty-one great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Opal was preceded in death by her father and mother, James Patrick, and Othella Lucille Enright; her husband, Fred Leroy Egner of 52 years, son Joseph Patrick Egner, daughter (twin)Joyce Alice Egner and granddaughter, Wendy Sue Egner; brothers James Patrick, Richard Conn, Earl Campbell, and John Henry Enright, sister Ruby Louise Enright.
Opal was a devoted believer in Jesus and took solace in knowing He was always watching over her.
Visitation Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - noon McGilley and Fry Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street, Olathe, KS 66061 Burial Saturday, May 18, 2024, Following the visitation in Olathe Memorial Cemetery 738 N. Chestnut Olathe, KS 66061. Flowers may be sent to McGilley and Frye Funeral Home