Opal Mae English

Opal Mae English, 101, peacefully left this world on April 11, 2025 at 11:11 PM at Glenwood Place in Marshalltown, Iowa with her family by her side.

Opal was born June 9, 1923 in Coatsville, Missouri to Daniel and Mary (Cale) Taylor. She spent most of her adult life in Des Moines before moving to Marshalltown in 1993.

Opal lived a life full of creativity, warmth and adventure. A talented seamstress and gifted baker, her hands were rarely still - whether she was stitching something special for her family, crafting handmade treasure, or filling her home with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked goodies. She had a true passion for crafts and loved spending hours working on puzzles or playing a good game of cards with loved ones.

A gypsy at heart, Opal found joy in the open road. She and her loved ones shared many wonderful memories camping and traveling across the country in her RV.

In her later years, Opal found peace and happiness in Yuma, Arizona, where she spent time enjoying sunshine, friendship, and a slower pace of life that allowed her to enjoy every moment.

Opal is survived by her grandchildren: Dwight (Pat) Hunt, Barbara (Tim) Bloomquist, Robert Hicks, Terry (Leann) Birt, Stacey (Mark) Gunderson, Jennifer English, and Brian (April) English; son-in-law, Randy Doig; 12 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren with more on the way; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry English; children, Mary Lou Hunt, Donna Mae Birt, James English, as well as baby girl Helen who died at birth; sisters, Effie, Pauline, and Helen; and her brothers, John, Charles, Willard, Daniel Jr., and Theodore.

Opal’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She was a woman of quiet strength, generous spirit, and endless creativity-and her presence will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 am at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Opal will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Opal.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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