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Opal Irene Wilson passed away into the arms of Jesus Christ, her LORD and Savior, on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Parkdale, Oregon, with many of her loving family near, and others near in heart. A long time resident of Randle, Washington, Opal lived the past three years in Parkdale with one of her granddaughters, Bobbie Sue Lupoli and her family, where Opal took great joy in the company of many of her great- grandbabies. It was no secret that Opal loved children and babies.
Opal was born to Roy Ray and Dora Florence (Baumgarden) Slocum on July 17, 1939, in Gerster, Missouri; she was the third of five children born to Roy and Dora. Opal was born with a birth-defect that hospitalized her as a youngster. She became paralyzed and was presented with the challenge to learn to walk again. And walk she did. After approximately a year’s stay in the hospital, it was not too long after that, the family moved from Missouri to Washington State when Opal was approximately 12 years of age. When it was time to make the trip west, Opal threw her crutches down and said she didn’t need those things any more … she was determined that crutches were not to be a part of her new life in Washington. It was this indomitable determination and a gentle strength that followed with her through life.
After reaching Washington, Opal attended school in White Salmon, Washington, and it was there that she met her sweetheart and love of her life, Robert Wilson, aka Bob. Opal and Bob were married March 20, 1956, in White Salmon, and excluding Bob’s military service, they were nearly inseparable. They enjoyed many adventures together from Alaska to Arizona, and quite a few places in between. They especially enjoyed their years as snowbirds in Arizona and going on buggy rides in the desert. Opal and Bob were married just one month short of 60 years.
In the early years of their marriage, Opal worked as a switchboard operator. After Bob completed service in the military, the couple returned to the Pacific Northwest, where the next adventure was family life and motherhood with their two children. In later years the adventure continued as a farmer/ranchers wife who, among the many facets of farm life, bottle fed calves, cooked meals for the hay crews during haying season, and most of the time was a good sport when a piece of farm equipment needed to be purchased, which was usually around her birthday. Through the years there has been a fair amount of jesting about Opal getting a baler for her birthday, but turn about was fair play. When attending the Yakima fair one year around Bob’s birthday, Opal enjoyed a purchasing extravaganza which included a new sewing machine, sewing cabinetry — the works!
Opal was a wonderful seamstress who made clothes for her children and grandchildren, did mending for whoever asked, and she loved making quilts, especially for her family. Opal’s children and grandchildren have all received quilted treasures from the fruit of her labors. Opal’s mom and grandma were quilters and it was no surprise that Opal shared the desire to make quilts as well.
When one visited the Wilson home in the spring and summer, you were sure to see beautiful flower beds with blooms and plants a plenty. Opal loved her flowers and the hummingbirds that frequented her flowers and feeders.
Most of all, Opal loved family. She is survived by her children, Lisa Lambert (Ronald), and Ronald Wilson (Sabrina); grandchildren Katherine Alapai (Tom), Jackson Lambert (Stephanie), Candace Wilson (Skyler), Brandy Jo Betz (Steve), Bobbie Sue Lupoli (Jimmy), Jessica Wilson (Thomas), Kodee Wilson (Cody); 21 great-grandchildren, Isabel, Ian, Skyler, Justin, Mason, Madison, Riley Jo, Hunter, Hayden, Jace, Oliver, Sebastian, Vincent, Isaiah, Jordyn, Elijah, Keynan, Aliyah, Colten, Ellah, and Lane; brother, Ivan Slocum (Melodie); brother-in-law, Merle Reeves; sister-in-law, Robin Slocum-Young; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Opal is preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents Roy and Dora; sister, Doris Jean Reeves; brother, Calvin and sister-in-law Betty Slocum; brother, Alvin Slocum; and half-sister, Sharon (Lawler) Roberts.
A memorial service will be held for Opal at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Grace Baptist Church, White Salmon, with interment following at 4:30 p.m. at Pine Butte Cemetery, Hood River, Oregon, where she will rest beside her beloved Bob.
Opal was a special lady who was a loving wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
To send flowers to the family of Opal Wilson, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
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