Opal Wood

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Opal M Wood, age 92, of Columbus, passed away at Medicalodge, Columbus Saturday, August 15, 2020.

She was born January 23, 1928 south of Hallowell, KS in the family home, to Walter and Marie (Davis) Mercer. Opal attended Globe school as a girl and attended school at CCRHS.

Opal married Charles V Ball in 1947. He preceded her in death June 2, 1984. She then married Al Wood of California in 2000 and they later divorced.

In her younger years, she and her husband operated a custom combining service. Opal worked at the Parson’s Army Ammunition Plant for twenty-one and a half years before retiring in 1990. She attended First Baptist Church in Columbus. 

Opal loved working in her yard. She had a green thumb when it came to tending her garden and many flowers. She also enjoyed cooking and baking. Her homemade chicken noodles and cherry cheesecake were among her grandchildren’s favorites. Her love for family was beyond compare. She was happiest in helping others in whatever way that was needed.

Opal is survived by one daughter, Janice and husband Samuel Marsh of Columbus; one son, Charles W Ball and wife Debbie of Strang, OK; four grandchildren, Angela, husband Aaron Allen of Aledo, TX, Shelly and husband Heath Wooldridge of Batesville, AR, Leah Ball of Neosho, MO and Michael Ball of Neosho, MO; eight great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Victoria and Wyatt Allen, Ethan Fletcher, Trevor and Madelyn Rackley and Austin and Logan Girdner.

She is also survived by one brother, Lee Mercer of Jacksonville, FL, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Carl Mercer and two sisters, Mae Harper and Mary Louise Duvall.

Due to the Covid pandemic a private graveside and burial will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Park Cemetery, Columbus, KS.

Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS will have viewing and open guestbook until the time of burial. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Columbus, KS with Derfelt Funeral Home serving as custodian.