Opal Mae Rowley

Opal Mae (Forsythe) Rowley , age 88 of Hastings, passed away Saturday March 13, 2010 at her residence. She was born September 14, 1921 in Fulton County, Illinois , the daughter of William and Ruth (Mallott) Forsythe. Opal came to Hastings in 1939, she then married Merle Wayne Rowley on September 30, 1939. Opal's first job when she came to Hastings was with Dr. Gwynn as a Nanny and house-keeper. She was also employed at Orchard Industries, Hastings Piston Ring, Hastings Aluminum Products, and Barry County Medical Care Facilty. Opal enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends, she also enjoyed crocheting, playing solitaire, knitting, and being active with her church family at the Church of The Nazarene in Hastings. She was proud to be a prayer chain leader. Opal was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruth Forsythe, her husband of 58 years , Merle Wayne Rowley, a daughter Loraine (Rowley) Barnum, and a son Steven Wayne Rowley. Opal is survived by her son Larry D. (Judy) Rowley of Wayland, son in-law James Barnum Jr. of Hastings, daughter in-law Kathy Rowley Davis of Hastings, her grandchildren; Bob and Pam Rowley, Kerry Rowley (Rolly) Wilcox, Laura Rowley (Aaron) Pitsic, Jodi Rowley (Terry) Beard, Betty Barnum (Randy) Roush, James Barnum III Kim Fay, Stacey Rowley (Chase) Youngs, Cherie Rowley (Verne) Robins, Matt (Keri) Rowley , 26 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren . Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-8 pm at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Funeral services will be held Wednesday March 17, 2010 at 11:00am at the Girrbach Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Hathaway officiating. Burial will be at Hastings Township Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society , the Shriner's or charity of one's choice. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net).