I will always remember visiting aunt opal in del city on a sunday and I would always have her famous homemade cookies and the ice cream that had the almonds. I never really ate those, I would stash them or swallow them whole. Me and my kids had stopped by one day to visit her and we ended up mowing and raking her yard.

Aunt Opal and I shared the same Sun Sign (Scorpio), the loss of a child and speaking our minds.  Grandma and Grandpa Rape loved each other so much and they passed that love and respect to each and every child.  The Rape family could have more fun just being together, laughing, eating and yes crying.  All their strength came from family.  I only remember the get togethers were in a one bedroom house and the "toilet" was outside down a little path, with a Sears catalog inside.  I am so happy I grew up with all those fond memories.  Opal had a dry wit and was such fun.  She will be missed and remembered fondly.  Carolyn Peterson  (Ada Bacon's daughter)

Grandma has been a part of our extended family for over 30 years we will miss her cheery ways and friendship. She truly is a great a great "American Legend" 
Tom & Carol Wood Boerne Texas

Three years ago, I was fortunate enough to have Grandma live close to me and visited with her almost every day.  I came to know her as a friend, not just my Grandma, and found what a truly wonderful woman she was. I learned so much from her and saw her grit and love from a different perspective.  The stories she told me and the history she lived through kept me spellbound for many afternoons.  I'll miss her dearly and I only hope someday I can fill her shoes.  I know now she's happy and singing and reunited with my Dad and the rest of her family.  Love you Grandma 
Debbie

Aunt Opal loved and enjoyed every minute she spent with her sisters and brothers.  They all loved to cook, eat and visit.  We spent many happy hours together.  Our last visit with Aunt Opal was during her 100th birthday party.  I am so happy that my mother, Maydean Lovelady, was able to attend and enjoy that wonderful celebration.  Aunt Opal loved to sing and is up in heaven singing with the angels!

Grandma took pride in living independently, living past her 100th birthday, and taking care of people younger than her. She never let age get in her way. She made all the graduations and all the weddings of her GREAT grandchildren, many times traveling across the country, or to Hawaii, to do it. Grandma we'll miss the knitted house shoes, the chocolate pies, and most of all we'll miss your smile and love. Larry New, Grandson

I had the pleasure of meeting Grandma on a number of New Family milestone occasions between Texas, Virginia, New Orleans, & Boston.  I was always so impressed at her determination to attend all lifetime milestones (weddings, graduations, etc.) for everyone in her family,  including each of her great-granchildren - regardless of how far she had to travel to be there.  She was an inspiration to us all and was living proof that age is indeed only a number!  We should all be so lucky to have someone like Grandma in our lives!  This is the end of an era and  I know she will be sorely missed. My love to the New Family as you celebrate her life this weekend.   Denise Kidd (sister-in-law of Larry New, Grandma's grandson through Hilton).

My Aunt Opal was remarkable in many ways, cooking, singing with her church group, teaching Sunday School and her favorite thing in later life was swim aerobics.She was always busy and kept you busy when you stayed with her. She has always been in my life except for the last few years. She will be missed greatly.

My sister Sondra and I always enjoyed going over to see Mrs. New. So sorry Elvert.

It's been over 40 years since I seen Mrs. New, but I still have very fond memories of her. She was a super nice lady to my family. So sorry for your loss.

OBITUARY

Opal Lela Rape New

November 10, 1911 – March 31, 2013

Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home At Sunny Lane Cemetery

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