Opal Viola Russell

Opal Viola Russell. 74, of Wichita Falls, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 25th, 2025. After being diagnosed with cancer, she passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family and love.

Opal was born on December 30th, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, to Jesse and Ruby (Crawford) West. She was the tenth of eleven children. She married the love of her life, Virgil Roy Russell, on May 28th of 1965; they were married for 55 years. She worked as an aide at the North Texas State Hospital until she retired in 2009. She loved Elvis, but she loved her family more, and she loved God above all else. She was a great prayer warrior, who met with like-minded women and men, once a week to pray for families, friends, and strangers alike, surrounding herself with love and compassion. She was a devoted wife to one man, a wonderful mother, a treasured grandmother, and a dearly loved friend. Blood relations didn't matter to her; she saw all her grandbabies, friends, and church members as her family. She was a friend to all, who would never let anyone go hungry, and could never say no to a good deal. She took the phrase "Shop till you drop", literally. Often outshopping whoever she took with her. She could always find the best deals. If something was on sale for $1, she'd get it for 10 cents. She was reserved, soft spoken, but often had the best advice. She was a patient woman, probably because she had to deal with her husband's jokes for 55 years. "Did you know these people living beside the cemetery can't be buried here? It's because they're not dead yet, "Do you want a piece of bread? "break off a tiny corner", Here you go, a piece of bread." A very patient woman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse M. West, and Ruby M. (Crawford) West, and nine of her brothers and sisters.

She left behind her only remaining brother, Jesse West. Her three children, Cynthia S. Russell and partner, Billy Lewis, Virgil (Roy) Russell, Jr., and Jacky L. Russell. Her beloved grandchildren, Justin McMinn, Heather Holder, and her husband, Tracy Holder. Roy Russell the 3rd, and Cheryl S.D Hickman, and her husband, Chase Hickman. Jessica Lewis, Monica E. Torres, and Randel Sampson, and her great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Harlie, and Deisel. Along with her many, many cherished nieces.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Memorial Park, 1917 Archer City Hwy., Wichita Falls, Texas 76302.