Opal Sylvia Rowsey, age 94, of Broadus, MT passed away on December 1, 2013 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus.
Opal was born December 12, 1918 in East Leavenworth, Missouri to Paul and Ruby (Humphrey) Heerwald. At 11 months of age the family moved to Shepherd, MT where she attended 1st and 2nd grades. The family then moved to Absorakee, MT where she attended 3rd and 4th grades and finally to Red Lodge where she graduated from high school. After high school she attended Eastern Montana College and then Business College in Billings, MT.
Opal went to Helena to work for legislature returning to Red Lodge to work as a secretary for the Smith Coal Mine at Washau and then to the Billings office. After the mine disaster that killed 75 men Opal went to work for Marshall Hardware Store for 10 years. On July 25, 1957 Opal married Lynn Rowsey in Billings, MT. They moved to the Rowsey ranch at Olive, MT where they lived and worked together until 1996 when Opal moved to Broadus, MT.
Opal was an avid reader and would many times finish books in a matter of a couple of days when it would take most a week to read. Opal also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and if there were any family members traveling she would always keep in touch with them to make sure everything was going well and get latest news on their travels. She loved living on the ranch taking care of the sheep and working side by side with Lynn.
Opal was preceded in death by her husband Lynn; two brothers, LeRoy & Martin Heerwald. She is survived by nephews, David (Joanne) Heerwald and Paul (Carol) Heerwald; and nieces, Kathleen (Todd) Olson and Valerie Sanders.
A visitation will be held Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Broadus, MT. A funeral service will be held Monday, December 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Interment will be at the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 8, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 9, 2013
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 8, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 9, 2013
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Share
Pam & Dave Nisley says
To Opal’s family,
I consider it a privilege to call Opal my friend. I do treasure the times we had together, she is a rare gem, now shining in Heaven! Prayers for all of you, that you will be comforted by her Savior, Jesus. That you feel his loving arms around you and know, understand and accept His love for you. Opal loved you all so dearly~
I miss you friend, but will see you on the other side 🙂
Scott and Brigit Hemmer and family says
To Tom, Verna, Gayle and Rita, Brian and family,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. We have stayed in touch with Opal since we left Broadus, as she was the first person we met (our neighbor) upon moving the night we arrived in Broadus and we’ve stayed friends since – many nice visits and even a trip to Billings. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the Rowsey family. I remember Opal when she and my mother were on an afternoon bowling league in Broadus. I’ll always remember Opal for her wit and sense of humor. May she rest in peace and may God Bless all of you at this time.
Jerry and Joyce Strobel says
My memories of Opal go way back when I was a teenager and got the opportunity to be blessed by her encouraging ways. When my folks’ milk cow would be dry we would always get milk from Lynn and Opal. I remember how awed I was that we could stop any hour of the night and pick up our milk out of ice cold water in a tank in their shed and leave the monies on the counter with a note of who got the milk. When I would see Opal she would be sure to tell me that she could completely trust me to leave the required amount of monies and that she knew that I would never take monies that others would leave. She would also tell me how she knew that the jugs that I returned were the very cleanest. I smile thinking how she knew exactly how to get me to perform to the inth degree.
When Jerry and I returned to our farm with our five and three year old sons, we attended the Baptist church in Broadus. Opal was the “candy lady” and how our kids loved to make contact with her and receive their piece of candy. Opal always had a sweet way with the kids and they all freely visited with her. What a delight to join her in worshiping our Lord!!!
We pray that your memories give you a special delight in Jesus, Jerry and Joyce
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Opal Sylvia Rowsey – May you find comfort in your loving memories, beautiful pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mrs. Rowsey. God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 24:33). Also be comforted in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) and soon pain and death with be no more (Revelation 21:4). The Paradise that was originally promised for the earth in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled. I hope that you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).