Opal Tobin

Opal Tobin, 83, of Marysville, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, 2024, at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville.

A visitation was held on Sunday, December 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary. A funeral service followed on Monday, December 30, at 10 a.m. at the mortuary, officiated by Pastor Shannon Borgman.

The pallbearers were Jim Lange, Dennis L'Ecuyer, Doug Hartwig, Ron Lange, and Bob Connell. The honorary pallbearers included Jeff Jenkins, Patrick Hobbs, Drew Oldehoeft, Colin Oldehoeft, Marlin L'Ecuyer, Malachi L'Ecuyer, JD Lange, and Tyler Lange. Following the service, she was laid to rest at the Marysville City Cemetery.

Born on June 17, 1941, near Morrowville, Kansas, Opal was the daughter of Lloyd Alva and Sadie Ann (Menke) Lange. She attended local schools in Morrowville. On June 26, 1958, Opal eloped with Gary W. Tobin in Wamego, Kansas, while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy. Their first and only duty station together was in Hawaii, where Opal created many cherished memories, particularly of swimming in the ocean. They returned home after the tragic loss of Gary’s father and settled in Marysville, where Opal worked for the Marysville Mutual Insurance Company until her retirement. Together, they also owned and operated the Blue Valley Exotic Birds Farm just north of Marysville, celebrating 54 wonderful years of marriage before Gary’s passing in 2012.

Opal had a deep passion for photography and enjoyed spending time at the luxury heated deer stand cabin that Gary built on their farm. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed crafting, as well as taking memorable camping trips to Colorado, where she often captured beautiful moments on camera while Gary hunted or fished. Even into her 80s, she took great pride in mowing her lawn. Remarkably, at the age of 75, Opal demonstrated her determination by achieving 24 out of 25 required shots for her conceal and carry permit certification. Her creative pursuits included ceramics and candle-making, which brought her much joy.

Opal is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary; parents; sister, Alberta L’Ecuyer; brother, Merlin Lange; brother-in-law, Robert L'Ecuyer; and sister-in-law, Doris Lange. She is also mourned by the memory of her Shih Tzu terriers, including her final companion, Lillie, who departed in 2023. Lillie was a cherished part of Opal’s life, and together they shared many happy moments.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary.