Opal was born September 20, 1925 to Ernst and Dina (Wesemann) Peters in her parent’s home near Vernon, CO. She passed March 3, 2022 in Greeley, CO at the age of 96.
The youngest of 12 children, she was the only child to graduate high school, doing so in 1944. On January 15, 1945, she married Frank A. Cantrall in a chapel at Camp Maxey, TX near Paris, TX, a union that would last 70 years until Frank’s passing.
After his discharge from the Army, they built a home near Vernon where they lived and farmed for 62 years. Opal always kept herself busy, as a farmer, a mother, a homemaker, and an active community member. She was a full partner in the decision-making for the family farm and played an active role in the day-to-day operations; driving truck and tractor, running the cattle, and moving irrigation lines.
She also tended a large garden each year and raised chickens and sold the eggs to customers in town. Opal was a good mother, raising her children to be industrious and respectful of others’ wants and needs. She loved to quilt and made over 100 quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and volunteered with the Christian Church ladies quilting group for many years. She was also a member of the Vernon Community Club from early in her marriage until the group disbanded many years later due to declining membership.
Travel was something she enjoyed later in life, especially cruising. She saw much of the United States and took several international trips. On her first trip to Germany, she made a connection with her father’s family, which led to future trips to Germany and the German relatives visiting her in Wray. These were just rewards for a life well-lived.
Opal was preceded in death by husband Frank, infant son Jimmy, granddaughters Katy and Kelly McWhirter, and 11 brothers and sisters.
She is survived by children Diane (Norm) Hays, Benny (Diana) Cantrall, and Denice (Craig) McWhirter; grandchildren Shan (Sally) Hays, Misty (Greg) Fritz, Lori (Tim) Perry, Scott (Micki) Cantrall, and Matthew McWhirter; and 6 great-grandchildren.
The service were held at First Christian Church, 534 Grant St., Wray, CO at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022 with Chaplain Hope Golden officiating.
Interment was held at Glendale Cemetery in Vernon.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Plains.
Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
2022-03-18