Ruby Opal Wright

Our precious gem, Ruby Opal Wright, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 87 in the presence of her loving son and daughter-in-law, Wesley and Tomoko Bogdan, in Meridian, Idaho.

Ruby, who went by Opal to those who knew and loved her, was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, on April 14, 1936, to her father, Edward Arlin, and mother, Eva Lura Ridgeway and loving stepmother Zelma Ridgeway. Born into a large family, Opal was raised among many brothers and sisters: Anna, Birch, Janet, James, Linda, Nancy, Raymond, Richard and Robert with whom Opal remained in close and loving contact throughout each of their lives. In particular, Opal and Anna's relationship exceeded the boundaries of family, and they forever remained unquestionably best friends no matter the distance between the two.

There are not enough words to adequately describe the incredible life that Opal lived. As a child of the 1930s, Opal was born into a time when resilience was a necessity, and it was this resilience, among many other amazing qualities, that shaped her life. Opal was tenacious, passionate, and loving; her generosity knew no limits. Opal was not bound by a single education trajectory or career path; rather, she followed her passions, which led her to many different opportunities and life experiences. She was not only a mother to her two children, Roxy and Wesley, but a business owner in numerous industries, all culminating in her most important professional role as a naturopathic healer.

Her love of helping and restoring to good health those around her led her down the winding path to working at an on-going Nampa, Idaho-based nutrition company named The AIM Company, where she would meet her partner and love of her life, Ronald Wright. A testament to love, no matter when or where one is in life, Ron and Opal were married on May 5, 1991. Ron and Opal's love and devotion to each other remain a guidepost for their family to look to during the good and during challenging times.

Opal is survived by her husband, Ron, and their pup, Missy; son and daughter-in-law Wesley and Tomoko; granddaughter and grandson-in-law Brittany and Joe Towey and granddaughter Alexandria Burkfield, who carry the spirit of Opal's late daughter Roxy Ann Burkfield; Ron's son and daughter, Greg and Len'ee Wright and Darla and Danny Upton, and their children Shawn and Tara Wright, Nic and Taylor Wright, Janis and Chase Hawley and Angela and Steve Hauschel. This beautifully blended family has had the privilege of experiencing Opal at such a deep and personal level, and each one of us will carry her in our hearts.

Anyone who knew Opal understands that her friendship wasn't founded on blood relationships or other legalities that made someone part of her family. To that end, the family wants to extend sincere gratitude to the AIM family, including the local Idaho staff, AIM members from all over the globe and especially Dennis and Kay Itami. Although too many to name here, the family also sincerely wants to acknowledge the great and loving friendships with Susan and Wayne Steiger, Kathy and Mike Wester, Armondo and Maria Martinez and James Dobney during the past several decades.

Opal's positive impact, generosity, and, above all, unconditional love for so many people truly were a gift to this world. To honor her spirit, we invite those who knew and loved her to her memorial service in Nampa, Idaho, on Friday, March 22. Located at Alsip and Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave S., Nampa, ID 83651.

A private and public viewing will be open to those who wish to pay their respects

- Private viewing for the family will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

- Please respect this time for the family

- Public viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM

- A closed casket memorial service will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

We invite those who want to attend the burial ceremony to join us at the Emmett Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

- Those who wish to speak, share stories, and pay their last respects are welcome to do so at this time

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers and to reflect Opal's generosity, we invite those who wish to do so to donate to the following charities in her name.

- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

- The Alzheimer's Association

- The Valley Women's and Children's Center in Nampa, Idaho

LINKS:

National Multiple Sclerosis Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/

The Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/

The Valley Women's and Children's Center: https://boiserm.org/hp-give/