Opal V. Meeker, 97, died at Careage of Whidbey, Coupeville, on April 9, 2007. She was born Aug. 27, 1909 in Russell Springs, Kan. to Edward and Viola E. (Mendenhall) Meeker.

Opal grew up in Codell, Kan.. She was one of eight students who graduated from Codell High School in May of 1930. Her brother also graduated from high school that same year.

In May 1941 the Meeker family moved to Arizona, settling in the Phoenix area. Opal began a lifetime career as a home health caregiver. While in Phoenix she worked as a caregiver for Mr. and Mrs. Frank Akin for over 20 years. She became an incredibly talented caregiver for the sick and disabled.

In 1971, Opal moved to Bellingham to continue her services as a caregiver for 10 years. As her health began to diminish, she moved to Oak Harbor. She was a resident of Chelsea Apartments for nearly 22 years. She moved to Harbor Towers and finally to Careage of Whidbey.

Opal never married and never learned to drive a car. She loved dogs and for many years, raised “Pugs.” She loved being with her family. She enjoyed handwork and was an excellent quilt maker, did embroidery and jigsaw puzzles and was an avid Mariners fan.

Opal is survived by her niece, Faith Trumbull of Oak Harbor and numerous nieces and nephews. Three brothers, Clarence, Chester and Harold Meeker and one sister Elma Courter and her parents preceded her in death.

Memorial services will be held at the San de Fuca Chapel on Sunday, April 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. with Pastor Cliff Horr officiating. Family graveside services were held April 17 at Sunnyside Cemetery with Pastor Doug Fakkema officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.