Obituary of Opal Mae Larkin

Opal Mae Larkin Opal Mae Larkin, daughter of Alexander Franks and Margaret Howard (Hughes) was born Opal Mae Franks in Oklahoma on June 20, 1922. At the age of sixteen, and after growing into a very petite young lady, she met a dark handsome man. It wasn’t long before she married him and on October 19, 1938, in Crosbyton Texas, she became Mrs. Wilbun John Larkin. On August 18, 1939 in Oklahoma City they started a family and with Jacklyn Marie in tow, worked there way to California while picking cotton for a living. Randall Joe Larkin, was the next addition to the family - born on April 16, 1941 in Arvin California (as there was not a hospital in Weed Patch) Opal tended to Jackie, and cared for her new son and continued to pick cotton and other crops until the family moved to the San Francisco area. For years, as the family prospered and the children grew, Opal worked as a sales associate at Sears & Roebucks and the JC Penney Company. In 1956 on September 23, there was a new addition to the family - Denine Sue, the third and last child. Opal loved to sew and Denine Sue (Susie) was often seen sporting a new outfit sewn by her mother’s hand. Kitchen work was an easy task and grandkids for years requested her biscuits and gravy. After a family meal and with the dishes done the clicking of dominos, the shake of dice for a game of Yahtzee, or the shuffling of cards would often take the place of the ring of silverware striking plates. She was a shrewd player never shying away from a challenge. She was patient while teaching a newcomer to the game however, the kids would say this was not the same patience of the women who helped with homework…that woman was known to thump you on the head with a thimble. The tomboy in her often appeared on the back of a horse or on a visit to Clear Lake when you might catch a glimpse of her with a fishing pole in hand. The tomboy could quickly be hidden with her Beehive hairdo, polyester pantsuits, dresses, stockings and perfume. Although, right next to the heels in the closet was a pair of cowboy boots just waiting for the weekend. After many years in the San Franciso Bay and Modesto area, she made Lacey and Olympia Washington her home however, a family emergency called her back to California. Eventually she found herself back in the Olympia/Lacey area. /p> All of her life, Opal worked hard caring for her family and used that same tenacity to fight hard to stay here with them. On May 12, 2009 she heard the angels singing, the gates of heaven opened and closed behind her. We will miss her dearly, our sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and loved one! The gates of heaven opened wide The wings of angels touch as they move by. She flew up to Heaven on their wings By the clouds and stars where no one sees and she walks with Jesus and her loved ones there I know she's smiling saying I know you care But Don't worry 'bout me Remember Me Author Unknown Remember me in quiet days while raindrops whisper on your pane. But in your memories have no grief, let just the joy we knew remain. Remember me when evening stars look down on you with steadfast eyes. Remember if once you wake to catch a glimpse of red sunrise. And when your thoughts do turn to me, know that I would not have you cry. But live for me and laugh for me, When you are happy, so am I. Remember an old joke we shared; Remember me when spring walks by. Think once of me when you are glad and while you live, I shall not die. To leave a condolence for the family, click on View Guestbook below: