Opal Campbell

Memorial Services were held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller.

Opal LaVonne Hofer was born October 29, 1921 at Onida, SD to Joseph G and Marie (Miller) Hofer. Her parents farmed in Sully County. Opal attended Fairview Rural School, Onida High School, and William Jewel College in Liberty, MO. She graduated with a B.A. degree English. Opal was a respected English teacher in high schools at Winner, Mobridge, Miller, and Sunshine Bible Academy. She also taught for three years in a rural school near Onida.

She and Ralph L Campbell were married at Miller, SD on August 19, 1950. To this union there was a daughter, Penny Jo, born on June 30, 1954. They farmed in Ohio Township, Miller, S.D. for 35 years. They retired and moved to Miller in August of 1985.

For nearly 70 years, Opal belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star. She was initiated on April 18, 1940 and joined Crescent Chapter when she moved to Miller. She served as Worthy Matron two separate times and was organist for 21 years. She belonged to the American Legion of Onida for over 50 years as well as writing the South Hand News for the Miller Press for 18 years. Opal and Ralph and Penny Jo were charter members of the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church where she served as pianist for 31 years, Sunday School teacher, and Church Treasurer. When they moved to Miller they joined the First Presbyterian Church in Miller. She was a deacon and was active in Presbyterian Women.

On December 1, 2002 Opal moved to the Good Samaritan Living Center in Miller, SD. She was an avid reader until her eyesight failed. Her sharp mind was always present. She enjoyed good music. She continued her interest in the Onida Community as well as hearing all about her South Hand Neighborhood. Her church family and Eastern Star friends were a special part of her life.

Opal is survived by her sister, Romalee Rasmussen, of Lomita, CA; sister-in-law: Frieda Mortensen; Ralph’s nephews: Bob and Jerry Niederaurer, Tom and Joe Hayes, and Marvin Campbell; and nieces: Dottie Veresh and Sally Krasinski, Gwen Billings and Donna Melber.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph on July 19, 2003; and her daughter, Penny Jo on September 15, 2007.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Opal's arrangements.

MINISTER
Rev. Brian Jones

ORGANIST
Janet Fritzsche

DUET
Joe Fiala
Dawn Haar
     "Hymn of Promise"

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
"The Lord's Prayer"

EASTERN STAR RITE
Order of the Eastern Star
Crescent Chapter #4

INURNMENT
G.A.R. Cemetery
Miller, South Dakota