Opal Cross

OPAL RAE CROSS

Opal Rae Cross, 94, of Aberdeen, SD, died Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Avantara in Groton, SD. No formal services will be held.

Opal R. Olsen was born January 13, 1931, in Lidgerwood, ND to Roy and Olive (Birdsall) Olsen. She lived in a rural farming area near Hammer and Claire City, SD. She attended a rural one-room school for the first through eighth grade and graduated from Sisseton High School in 1948. In 1951 she graduated from Methodist-Episcopal School of Nursing in Mitchell.

Opal was united in marriage to Howard Cross on September 22, 1951. To this union two children were born. Daughter, Margaret 'Peggy' and son, Michael. Her husband died in December 1973. Opal worked as a nurse in Minneapolis, MN, Sissiton, SD, Chamberlain, SD, Huron, SD, Milbank, SD, Webster, SD and Aberdeen, SD. She retired in 1997, after 46 years. She moved to Aberdeen, SD in May 2000 with her little dog, "Freddy," to be closer to her daughter and family.

Opal was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was part of Women's Circle II and bible studies. Opal was a very hard worker. She was generous with her time and often volunteered at The Salvation Army and hospital. Opal loved to read and play Card Bingo. Family was very important to her and she loved spoiling her grandchildren. She also adored animals, especially dogs.

Grateful for having shared Opal's life are her daughter, Margaret 'Peggy' (Terry) Thornberg; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; one brother; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Opal in death are her parents, Roy and Olive Olsen; husband, Howard Cross; son, Michael Cross; one grandchild; three brothers; and one sister.

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