Opal Juanita Lipke

Opal Juanita Lipke, 93, a beloved member of the community, passed away on May 25, 2024, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Opal was born on February 7, 1931, in Arlington, Missouri, and grew up in the beautiful Ozark mountains as one of eleven children of Frederick and Grace Mae (Galahon) Falkenrath.

Opal's life was filled with significant accomplishments and fond memories. She graduated from Waynesville High School in 1948 in Waynesville, Missouri. On December 26, 1952 she married Walter Lipke in Mountain Home, Arkansas.  They were blessed with 27 years until Walter's untimely passing in 1979.  Throughout her career, Opal worked diligently as a financial bookkeeper for John Deere, and Oltman's Dodge Dealership in Stillwater, and as the financial secretary for Sunnybrook Christian Church for over a decade. Her dedication and precision were admired by all who knew her.

Apart from her professional achievements, Opal cherished her family above all else. She adored spending time with her loved ones and was known for her warm and loving nature. Opal's passions extended beyond work and family; she enjoyed cooking and even owned a down-home cooking restaurant in Carney for three years. In addition to her culinary skills, Opal found joy in babysitting her grandchildren, camping by the river, fishing trips, and exploring the country through travel.

Opal's proudest accomplishment was being a longstanding member of Sunnybrook Christian Church in Stillwater. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life and brought comfort to those around her.

Opal is survived by her two daughters, Marilyn K. Lipke Thomason (Gary) and Lisa Lipke-Pearce (Tony), both of Glencoe, Oklahoma; five grandchildren; Brian Thomason (Krista) of Glencoe, Oklahoma, Matt Thomason (Stephanie) of Owasso, Oklahoma, Dakoda Lipke of Boston, Massachusetts, Ashlee Pearce (fiancé Jake McClain) of Harrison, Arkansas, and Lily Pearce of Glencoe, Oklahoma; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends who will miss her dearly.

Opal Juanita Lipke was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Lipke; parents, Frederick and Grace Mae Falkenrath; brothers, John and James; as well as sisters, Alice, Dorothy, and Thelma.

A time of visitation will be Monday, May 27, 2024 from 4PM to 7PM at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater.  A funeral service to honor Opal's life will be held at Sunnybrook Christian Church in Stillwater on Tuesday, May 28th at 11:00 AM. The service will be a time of remembrance and celebration for a remarkable woman whose kindness touched many lives. Opal will be remembered for her grace, warmth, and unwavering love for those around her. Rest peacefully amongst the angels.