Opal Lola Keller Blackington, 70, passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2011, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born on August 16, 1940 in Hyannis, Nebraska. She attended school at Everton, and then graduated from Miller high school in 1958. Soon after her graduation, she moved to California to attend business school. Throughout her life, Opal embarked upon many adventures, which led her back to the Springfield area, where she has lived for over 40 years. She loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener. Opal will always be known for her hard work and dedication to living her life to the fullest.
Opal is survived by her husband, Chester Blackington, Sr.; two daughters, Tammy Guy and husband Steven, Shelly Barr and husband Michael; two sons, Chester Blackington II. and wife Jan, Scott Blackington and wife Stacy; 11 grandchildren, Nicole Blackington Kirk and husband Gary, Candice Bruce, Chester Blackington III., Farrin Guy Hampel and husband Nick, Jessica Barr, Morgan Guy, Connor Guy, MacKenzie Guy, Scotlynn Blackington, Stone Blackington, Teresa Barr; four great-grandchildren, Aubrey Blackington, Kolby Barr, Lola Kirk and Sloane Hampel; two sisters, Delores Keller Jones and husband Jerry, Helen Keller King; one brother, Bill Keller and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Manor Care Health Services and Seasons Hospice for providing Opal with excellent health care.
Graveside service will be held in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 11 a.m, under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Immediately following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life reception held in the home of Steven and Tammy Blackington Guy, 2452 E. Melbourne Rd., Springfield, Mo.