Opal Fern Gruber, 94 of Baxter Springs, died Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Galena Nursing Center.
Born March 9, 1928 in Narcissa, Oklahoma, Opal was the eighth child of William Cordell McDowell and Ida Leona (Chandler) Mc-Dowell. They preceded her in death. As a young girl, she attended Montgomery County Public School and graduated from Cherryvale High School with the class of 1946. She worked at Dodson’s Grocery Store all through high school. In 1946 she met the love of her life and soulmate, Carl Wayne Gruber, and they were united in marriage November 27, 1947. They made their home in Coffeyville. Carl preceded Opal in death in 2008. In 2012 Opal moved to Baxter Springs to be close to family.
Opal got a certificate in Nursing and worked at the Coffeyville Memorial Hospital for many years. Opal enjoyed traveling with Carl and they visited all states but Alaska. She enjoyed crafts and organizing family social events. She also enjoyed putting together picture albums of the family. She was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Baxter Springs.
In addition to her parents and husband, Opal was preceded in death by siblings, Irvin, Joseph, Melvin, Luther, Ethel, John Henry, and Sam; daughter-in-law, Linda Gruber; brother-in-law, Mendal Hallmark.
Opal is survived by three sons, Bob Gruber of Baxter Springs, Larry Gruber of Mesa, Ariz. and Mike Gruber of Mannford, Okla.; and daughter, Nancy Runyon of Coffeyville. Her sister, Barbara Hallmark of Irving, Texas along with seven grandchildren, Eric, Heather, Tammy, Terry, Chad, Chris, and Jen; along with ten great grandchildren also survive.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 11 at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Pastor Shane Dotson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, at Coffeyville. Family will receive friends Tuesday from 10 a.m., until service time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.