Opal Irene Tyler

Opal Irene (Utt) Tyler, 90, of Cowen, my dear, sweet, precious, beautiful grandma went home forever on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Webster Healthcare Center. She will forever be with her Lord and Savior where she will never again experience pain, suffering, nor sorrow. O’ death, where is thy sting. Today, this day, she is with Jesus in Paradise. She has fought the good fight, she has finished her race.

Born July 14, 1933 in Cowen, and named after her midwives: Opal Sigman and Irene Woods, she was the daughter of the late Ralph Hayward and Bessie (Carpenter) Utt.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron “Squirly” Tyler; son, Bob Tyler; step-daughter and her husband, Ann and Harold Springston; step-grandchildren: Ricky and Nancy Springston; great-grandson, Randall “Bub” Stewart; her first great-great-grandchild, Conrad Stewart; sister, Alice McCartney; brothers: Jimmy Utt and Bronson Carpenter; and step-son-in-law, Tony Perrine.

Opal was married to the love of her life, Aaron “Squirly” Tyler, in 1951 by Arnold Bickel.  She was faithful and loyal to him until his passing in 1983.  She was a hotlunch cook at Waynesville Grade School and a caretaker and/or babysitter to many community families throughout her life.  For ten years prior to her being a resident at Webster Healthcare Center, she sang and praised God with the nursing home residents, along with her brothers and sisters in Christ from the Arcola Community Church, where she was a member.  Opal was a devout Christian whom accepted the Lord and allowed her soul to be saved in 1977. 

Alive in my heart forever, what a life you lived with such hardship and pain, but never a foul or negative word, never any bitterness from you, only love. When you smiled, everyone smiled with you.  You gave me and others so much love.  You were such a generous woman and I’ll forever be grateful and blessed by you.  You put GRAND in front of mother, but was more of a “Grandmommy”.  You have not walked since Dec. 17, 2017; but, I know you are now with Jesus, walking with no more pain or suffering, just surrounded by God’s beauty in His arms. You will always be alive in my heart forever!

Left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren: Cheryl (Tim) Jackson, Travis Tyler (companion, Wendy), and Sabrina Tyler; great-grandchildren: Tyler (wife, Kristi) Stewart, Haden Tyler, and Tristian Tyler; sister Zela "Tommy" Carpenter; daughter-in-law, Janice Tyler; step-daughter, Lenora “Hub” Perrine; step-grandchildren: Cheryl “Suzy” Perrine, Terry Perrine, and Mickey Springston; her first expected great-great-granddaughter; her very best friend at Cowen Nursing Home, Dr. Lee; and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her passing.

Services to celebrate Opal’s life will be held 3:00pm, Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen, officiated by Pastor Larry Lovely. Friends may gather with the family for visitation from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Cowen.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Webster Healthcare Center for their loving compassion and care during Opal’s residency there.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsreedfh.com

Adams-Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Tyler family.