Marlene Kay Opfer Obituary (2023)

Marlene Kay Opfer, 85, loved the Lord Jesus and was blessed to go be with Him for eternity, passing in Memorial Hospitals emergency room on May 31, 2023. Kay was born in Gifford, Illinois, on June 28, 1937, to Vivian and Bill Aldrich, joining her sister, Mildred, and brother, Chuck. She enjoyed a happy childhood in Paxton, Illinois, where her father worked as a ticket agent for the Illinois Central Railroad. Kays father died suddenly on her 18th birthday, but her mother insisted Kay continue with college plans. Kay graduated from Illinois State University, with degrees in elementary and deaf education. Kay married Arthur Opfer on December 27,1958, and they were blessed with three children, Allen, Julie, and Gary. They lived in Markham, Illinois, moved to Washington DC for five years, and moved to Yakima in 1972. Kay taught deaf and hard of hearing students in Yakima from 1976-1992. Kay accepted Jesus as her personal Savior while attending Bible Study Fellowship in 1975. Church worship and bible study were VERY important to her. For many years, she taught Sunday school and helped with Awana and Good News Clubs. She was a member of West Side Church and was involved in small groups for almost 25 years. Kay LOVED the Lord Jesus. Kay LOVED her family. Kay LOVED and is survived by her husband Art, three children and their spouses, and six grandchildren. Art and Kay were blessed with more than 64 years of marriage. A highlight of her life was taking the entire family to Hawaii for their 50th anniversary. Kay LOVED her many friends, near and far. She LOVED her deaf students, many were friends. Family and friends were her priority. Kay LOVED children and adored babies. She babysat for many and often attended extra church services to rock babies in the nursery, "Jesus Loves Me" was a favorite song. Kay LOVED being a grandmother! Her six grandchildren, born within five years, were special joys of her life! She adored Ryan, Kristen, Megan, John, Adam, and Karen for the special blessings they are, and always told them how much she LOVED them. If you were blessed to know Kay, you know she would have ended her writing with "XXOO" and "LNP," kisses, hugs and her "LOVE and prayers" that you too will know the glory of Heaven and the presence of God that she is now experiencing. Kay wrote for her obituary, "My fervent prayer is that each and every one of my family and friends know Jesus and will come meet me in Heaven!" A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023, at 1:00pm, at West Side Church (6901 Summitview Ave, Yakima). A Reception will follow. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Click to view recorded service Memorial Service West Side Church Saturday, June 17, 2023 1:00 PM 6901 Summitview Ave Yakima, Washington 98908 Reception West Side Church Saturday, June 17, 2023 6901 Summitview Ave Yakima, Washington 98908 Reception following service.