Opal Mae Smith

Opal Mae Smith, fifth of twelve children of Joseph and Jessie (Lowers) Shaw, was born in Exira, Iowa.

She passed away peacefully in Springfield, Missouri on April 30,2022, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law.

She enjoyed being entertained daily by the deer and wild turkeys visiting their backyard.

Opal lived a full and active life and will be remembered for her fun-loving nature and devotion to family.

She was happily married for 63 years to Leslie Smith, former elementary school teacher in Clarion, who passed away in 2008

She was busy and active her entire life. Her true mark in life was the joy her energy and great appearance inspired in her friends and family. She was a beautician at area shops in Clarion and Belmond before starting her own shop in her home.

Opal also was a clogging instructor in her home and in Clarion and Fort Dodge locations. She performed with the Cornbelt Country Cloggers and was director of the Heartland Country Cloggers. They entertained in nursing homes and festivals in many towns in Iowa. She was also very musical since childhood and sang, played guitar, piano, organ, and recently the ukulele.

Opal was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Eagle Grove, Iowa.

Opal is survived by her two children, daughter JoAnne Brown, husband Mike of Springield, Missouri, and son Jeff Smith, wife Cynthia of Des Moines, Iowa. She was a loving grandmother to Bethany Smith, Sarah Smith, and Michael Brown, and a proud great grandmother to Owen, Evan, Fiona, and Autumn. She is also survived by her youngest sister Alice Brown, husband Duane of Atlantic, Iowa.

Visitation will be held June 4, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. followed by the Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Eagle Grove, Iowa