Growing up in Nebraska on the farm, she graduated from Bryan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1935. She gave herself tirelessly throughout her life to care for others, doing private duty care, being part of the Army Nurse Corps, and caring for her husband and mother during prolonged, devastating chronic illnesses.
She was an early nurse educator and a pioneer in nursing, getting her Masters of Science in 1953.
She was an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, and Faith-Asbury United Methodist Church in El Paso.
Opal is survived by her daughter, Dr. Roberta Jeanne Ruiz; son-in-law, Thomas Ruiz; and granddaughters Lori and Pamela Ruiz.
She will be cherished in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 7400 Louis Pasteur, Ste 200, San Antonio, TX 78229, or to the American Cancer Society, San Antonio Metro 91, P.O. Box 291048, San Antonio, TX 78229.
