Opal Othell Saunders

Opal Othell Saunders obituary, Kansas City, MO

Opal Othell Saunders

Opal Saunders Obituary

Visit the Speaks Suburban Chapel website to view the full obituary.

Opal Othell Thomas Saunders, 93 of Kansas City, passed away January 10, 2025, at Kansas City Hospice House. The family will hold a public celebration of her life at her church home, Bethel Seventh Day Adventist, 6910 Riverview, Kansas City, Kansas, with visitation at 11 AM and the funeral at 12 PM. Opal was born on October 23, 1931, to Arbra and Helen Thomas. She had five children, four boys: Phil, Chester, Terry, and Bruce, and later her final child and only girl, Monica. Opal worked as a dental hygienist at Wayne Minor Health Center before moving to Wonder Bread Bakery, where she retired.

Opal was baptized on June 10, 2010, and became an integral part of Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church as an honorary deaconess. Known for her robust spirit and unconditional love, she deeply enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience.

She was preceded in death by her parents Arbra and Helen Thomas, siblings Ira, Issac, Luther (LC), Anna, Donald, Arbra, Jeanette, Elaine, and granddaughter Danielle Saunders. Opal is survived by her children Phil (Lucia), Chester (Eena), Terry, Bruce, and Monica (Dwayne); sisters Rosetta Taylor and Lola Estell; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous friends and family members who were touched by her warmth and kindness.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)

Speaks Suburban Chapel

18020 E. 39th St. S, Independence, MO 64055

How to support Opal's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Opal Saunders's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more