Opal Barnes

Opal Barnes Lillian Opaline Bigelow Barnes was born in Eager, AZ on May 17, 1933, at her Grandma Bigelow’s home. She went to heaven surrounded by her family and loved ones in her home on October 7, 2023. Opal attended school in Eager then attended high school at Round Valley. Her family moved to Lehi, AZ her senior year, where she graduated at Mesa High School. After graduation, she came to San Simon to live with her aunt, Effie Nelson. She worked at the Katchina Café where she met Ed Barnes, her future husband. Ed and Opal Barnes were married on April 27, 1952, at the San Simon Baptist Church. On August 21, 1953, their first daughter Lynne was born in Safford, AZ. On October 22, 1955, their daughter Jeanette was born in Silver City, NM. While Opal was busy being a mom and a homemaker, she also taught Vacation Bible School and Women’s Adult Sunday School for decades. She loved the Lord, her family, playing cards and Yahtzee, and her many pets. Among her hobbies were crocheting and rock hunting. In her younger days, she enjoyed playing softball and bowling with her daughters. Visiting with her seven sisters and one brother, was a valuable highlight of her life. An important tradition for Opal was Saturday night enchiladas with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Opal is survived by her daughters Lynne Ray and Jeanette (Dusty) Pierce both of San Simon. She is also survived by her grandchildren Wesley Carr, Casey Carr, Clayton (Kari) Wade, Marti Tingle and Caylin Daviscourt along with her great grandchildren Edward Tingle, Abigail Tingle, Joshua Tingle, Jaedyn Carr, Tyson Carr and Rhett Wade. Opal’s surviving siblings are Mazie Cheney, Rodger Bigelow, Lynetta Sohler, Lorraine Leymaster, Emma Tanner and Sandra Jones and her loving and caring caregivers RC and Lori Reynolds, Kizzie Glover, Beatrice Morales, and Vivian Purcella. Preceding her in death was her husband Ed Barnes, her beloved son-in-law Shelby Ray and two sisters. Opal touched the lives of so many and will be dearly missed. Although our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing she is whole now and completely healed. Upon her entrance to heaven, we are sure she heard these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21) A Celebration of Life/Memorial will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at First Baptist Church of San Simon.

Opal Barnes

May 17, 1933 - October 7, 2023