Alice Suzanne Opel

RICHMOND, Ind. – Alice Suzanne Opel, age 83, of Richmond, Indiana, died Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Friends Fellowship Community. Born November 20, 1933, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Lloyd M. and Ruth A. Wilson Abair, Alice had resided in Richmond since 1957. She was a graduate of Plymouth High School and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Ball State University. Alice retired from Richmond Community Schools, where she taught at Garrison Elementary. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Alice was a master quilter, well-known for creating special quilts for generations of family and friends. Her impact as a kindergarten teacher was recognized throughout her life, with scores of former students approaching her regularly to express their gratitude for the difference she made in their lives. Alice was an aficionado of all things Scandinavian, and found joy and passion in so many things; she didn’t just like a thing or a person, she loved it all. More than anything, she loved family: meals together, family values, making cookies with the grandkids, and above all else, her legendary hugs. Alice had an incredibly loving heart, and her gifts are used and cherished to this day. Tell her, “I love you,” and her reply was always, “I love you more.” Survivors include her daughters, Mary Ellen Roberts of Hebron, Connecticut, and Cynthia “Cindy” Ann (Dennis) Roach of Marion, Indiana; son, Douglas Eric (Nikki) Opel of Northfield, Minnesota; grandchildren, Allison, Jennifer, and Tyler Roberts and Courtney and Katrin “Katie” Roach; sister, Beatrice (Tom) Mertens; nieces; nephews; son-in-law, Randy Roberts; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Dollie Hoover, Shirley Morlock, and Virginia Abair; and brother, Donald Abair. Visitation for Alice Suzanne Opel will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond with Pastor Bob Meckley officiating. Burial will be in Lutherania Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Alice Suzanne Opel

November 20, 1933 - March 22, 2017