Opal Marie Gillons

Opal Marie Gillons, age 94, of Hastings, Michigan, went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 9, 2025, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings.

Opal was born on June 6, 1931, in Vermontville, Michigan, to Gayle and Nellie (Hummel) Harvey. She graduated from Lake Odessa High School in 1949 and went on to work at both Hastings Manufacturing and Hastings Bowl, and was a bookkeeper for Gillons Construction. She was baptized and became a member of Grace Lutheran Church in 1983. She was a familiar and friendly face to many in the community.

On April 18, 1953, Opal married the love of her life, Wesley Gillons. They shared 71 wonderful years of marriage, building a legacy of love, laughter, and family.

Opal lived a life full of joy and activity. She was an avid bowler and a passionate scrapbooker. She loved playing cards, Bingo, and traveling the country with Wesley in their motor home. Her warm spirit and generous heart were known to all who met her.

Opal became a resident of Thornapple Manor in September of 2020 where she lived a full life and brought much joy and laughter to the staff and residents. She truly made the best of her life there and loved everyone so much.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wesley; sons Jeff and Mitch; grandson Nolan Heath; daughter-in-law Julie Gillons; her parents Gayle and Nellie; and sisters Donna and Betty.

Opal is survived by her loving children: Greg Gillons, Danny Gillons, and Terry (Keith) Bushee. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Jodi (Denny) Harwood, Zeb Gillons, Corey Gillons, Josh Gillons, Matt Gillons, Justin (Amber) Gillons, Magen Gillons, Jason Gillons, Ashley Gillons, Mychelle (Matt) Paczolt, and Newell Heath. Her legacy lives on in her many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, brothers Joe (Ginny) Harvey, Robert Harvey, sister Dorothy Collier and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church 239 E. North St, Hastings, MI 49058 or the Barry County Animal Shelter 540 N. Industrial Park Dr, Hastings, MI 49058.

A visitation will be held at 12:00 PM on Sunday, October 19, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 PM at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway Street, Hastings, MI 49058.

Opal's life was a testament to faith, family, and kindness. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net