Opal Maisy Andrews

Opal Maisy Dearmon was delivered by a veterinarian on Jan 30, 1915 in Naples, Oklahoma to her parents C.A. and Ethel Dearmon. She spent the happiest days of her childhood barefoot on her grandmother’s farm, climbing trees and plotting schemes with her younger sister Juanita while their older sister Genevieve behaved responsibly. Eventually, her siblings Son, Bennie, Lawana and Margaret joined them. She was heartbroken when her parents brought her back to town and enrolled her in school. She preferred dancing over schoolwork, and sometimes hitched a ride on a friend’s horse so that she could attend dances. She met her husband, Earl Andrews at a dance and they raised a daughter, Barbara Jane, in Tipton, Oklahoma while they worked for the Public Service Company. She would tell anyone, though, that her life began when her grandchildren were born—-and she was the best grandmother any one could ever dream of. She spent countless hours playing with them, reading to them, entertaining them and most importantly, listening to them. Any time was a good time to call her, or visit—-she was never too busy for her grandkids. She and Earl retired to their vacation cabin on Lake Texoma, the scene of many happy memories of summers on the Lake and eventually built a proper home there. She spent her days in nature—-observing the critters in her yard, and collecting rocks and leaves to decorate her home. Her final 11 years were spent at the Norse Home, in Seattle, a mere 3 blocks from her granddaughter. When asked at 105 years of age what the secret to a long life was, she replied “Stay away from doctors, and be kind—-it doesn’t cost you anything”. She was loved beyond measure and will be missed forever by her grandchildren, David, Jeff and Laurie, and their families and friends. She had a soft spot for all animals, particularly her grand-dog, Homer, so any kindness toward an animal in her memory would be appropriate.