Opal Salsbery

She was born April 10, 1923, in Sheridan, IN; the daughter of Uva Sylvester and Grace Pauline

(Boone) Pickrell.

Opal married James Salsbery on January 27, 1940 in Covington, KY where they paid $1.00 in pennies for their marriage license. She and James were married 67 years until his death in 2007. They raised their children on the family farm in Kokomo, IN where she resided until her death. Opal loved to tend her garden each year and share vegetables with her family and friends. Opal was known by anyone who knew her as a dedicated and strong woman who loved and supported her family unconditionally. Her passion and resolve built generations of women and men who embrace the examples she set, ethics she taught, and strength she demonstrated. May her body rest in peace and her spirit soar.

She is survived by her five children, Dannie (Carolyn) Salsbery, Ted (Carolyn) Salsbery, Janice (Bernie) Pierce, Sharlotte Orem, and Keith (Becky) Salsbery; and 12 grandchildren, Janelle (Salsbery) Love, Troy Salsbery, Shawn Roode, Ryan Tragesser, Nicole Tragesser, Chad Salsbery, Gavin Salsbery, Ann (Salsbery) Rounds, Jeff Salsbery, Melissa (Cooprider) Garrett, Matt Salsbery, and Amanda (Salsbery) Isom; 15 great-grand children and 3 great-great grand children; a brother, Lawrence Pickrell and sister, Roseanna (Pickrell) Mathena of Noblesville.

Opal was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a son, Richard Salsbery; siblings; Gladys Jackson, Velma Moon, Virginia Rushton, Phylis Dietz, and Janet Campbell.

The family would like to thank her caregivers Wilma Kauffman and Kristy McNiel.

Opal’s care has been entrusted to Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.

Visitation will start Friday, September 2, at 10 am - 12 pm. The service will begin at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested memorials be made to RUMC Food Pantry, PO Box 307, Russiaville, IN 46979. Please note on the check the donation is in honor of Opal Salsbery.