Opal L. Embrey

1929 - 2021

Our dear, Lou Embrey, age 91, of Topeka, passed peacefully April 17, 2021.

Born, Opal Lucille Decker, on May 10, 1929, in Fort Lupton, Colorado, daughter of Tracy and Opal (Lovelady) Decker. Lou was the youngest daughter of eight wonderful children.

Lou graduated from Fort Lupton High School in 1947 and began her studies at Colorado State College to become a school teacher. She first met her future husband, Jack D. Embrey when the Embrey family moved to Colorado from Missouri. Jack returned home to Ft. Lupton from his service in the Navy (WWII). They were soon married in Fort Lupton, on December 17, 1947, and celebrated 72 years together, prior to Jack's passing in 2018.

Jack was called back to active duty in 1951 during the Korean War. Following Jack's military service, his new job with the Santa Fe Railroad (Laboratory Chemist) placed the young couple in Topeka, KS. The promotion to Road Chemist, moved the growing family to San Bernardino, California. The couple was blessed with three daughters, Sandi, Sheri and Brenda, and a precious son, Ronald Rey, who passed at age 5 (1963). After Ronnie's passing, Lou went on to graduate from X-Ray Technology School while living in California. Jack's next promotion (Manager-Chemical Services) moved the family back to Topeka, Kansas (1966) where they made their permanent home.

In Topeka, Lucille worked until 1995, as an X-ray Technologist. She later found great fulfillment as a Para/ Teaching Assistant, working with older children at Capital City High School, and with younger children in the Care Giving Program for Menninger employees. This work with children, in a school setting, was very rewarding for Lou in her later years, fulfilling her earlier desires to become a teacher. The children were the lucky ones, to have this fun-loving, vivacious lady in their lives for many hours each day!

Most important to Lou, was her faith in God and the pursuit of a spiritual life. She was active in Bible study groups and cherished conversations about the Bible, the meaning of life, and the wonder of God's Love. Lou had a beautiful voice. She sang in church choirs from California to Kansas. She loved the old-time hymns, like "He Walks With Me," and she had committed many to her memory. Most recently, albeit, not in the past few years, she sang in the choir at Countryside United Methodist Church where she was a member.

Lou truly enjoyed being with people. While in California, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi (1961 -66); involved in several civic projects, especially those that made use of her gardening skills. In Topeka, Lou was a dedicated member of the Women's Club and P.E.O, where she made numerous friends who became her best friends. Lou was quite creative and crafty, too! One of her favorite activities was making Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren. She was forever at her craft table making decorations for the Women's Club and other special events! Lou's "make-it" shop was open all 12 months, ready to whip up her seasonal creations, "rose-petal" angels or "golf ball" figurines.... It was an endless variety of "Lou Originals" for all occasions!

Most of all, and BEST of all, Lou was "Mother Extraordinaire!" She was FUN, full of LAUGHTER, truly CREATIVE, BEAUTIFUL, and ready for ANYTHING! Simply put, she loved being a mother and was always there to shower her family with love, understanding and good cooking! For years, Lou would never miss her evening walk, which always ensured a great conversation, as well (if you could keep up with her)!

Our dearest Lou is survived by three daughters, Sandi Gettins, Fallbrook, CA; Sheri Diehl, Topeka, KS; Brenda (Randall) Embrey- Exon, Wallingford, PA; granddaughter, Stephanie (Michael) Greenman, NYC, NY; four grandsons, Erich (Joann) Obst, Temecula, CA; Arron (Krystal) Obst, Fallbrook, CA; Jeremy Barger, Topeka; Jason Wendt, Topeka; five great grandsons (Shane, Mason, Chandler-Jack, William and Ryan)... and a sixth one on the way (Arron & Kystal!); her younger brother Bill (Marla) Decker, and their immediate family, Visalia, CA; several cousins, nieces and nephews. Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother Lou will be deeply missed, but forever in our hearts full of LOVE - her love.

Sadly, due to Covid, the Viewing on Friday, April 23, 2021 is limited to 10 family members.

All are welcome to the Memorial Service held Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka, KS 66611, and again, due to Covid, the family is not permitted to have a luncheon reception following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church -or- Pet Assistance Network of Topeka, helping pets of the homeless/ topekapant.org (Lou cared about all animals in need) Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Dove Cremations & Funerals, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610 is assisting the family. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com.