Opal Wadhams

Opal L. Wadhams, 88 of New Windsor, IL died Monday, May 8, 2017 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield, Iowa. Services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Viola United Methodist Church. Burial is in the Viola Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Friday at Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral Home in Alpha where memorials may be left to the Viola United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be made at www.petersonwallinknox.com.

She was born June 14, 1928 in Appleton, IL to Harry and Florence Wellert Montgomery. She grew up in Knox County and attended one-room schools. Opal moved to New Windsor in 1943 and graduated from Viola High School in 1947. Shortly after graduation, her father died and Opal, her sister and mother took over the family farm.

In 1950, she met the love of her life, Aldin “Russel” Wadhams and they were married three years later on September 20, 1953 in Viola, IL. They farmed the family farm for many years. He died December 9, 2011.

Opal was employed as a CNA at the Mercer County Hospital and the Henry County Home Health Care. She was a member of the Viola United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three sons, Rodney Wadhams of Monmouth, IL; Kenneth (Keli Young) Wadhams of Batavia, Iowa; Danny Wadhams of Malcom, Iowa; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Peterson of New Windsor, IL; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, David, daughter, Dorothy grandson, David and sister, Helen.