Nadine Mildred (Gier) Opie

Nadine Mildred Opie, age 94, passed away Friday, July 18, 2020, at the Lee House Residential Care Facility in Eldon, Mo.  She was born in Bagnell, MO on September 27, 1925, the daughter of the late Elzie Everett and Jennie June (Woolley) Gier.

She is survived by her children and their spouses; Diana (Bill) Nowack of Eldon, MO; Danny (Michelle) Opie of Eldon, MO; Peggy (Doug) Head of Overland Park, KS.  Her Grandchildren and their spouses, Lori (Christopher) Yows of Lee’s Summit, MO; John (Sherry) Nowack of Owasso, OK; Brandon (Meghan) Opie of Eldon, MO; Eric Opie of Eldon, MO; Danielle Opie of Overland Park, KS;  Bryce Opie (Morgan) of Eldon, MO; Jennifer (Brant) Stewart of Fort Mill, SC and Katherine (Jonathan) Crabtree of Stilwell, KS.  Great Grandchildren, Laurel, Corbin and Cameron Yows;  Kayla and Jesse Nowack; Hannah, Emma and Ryder Opie;  Rhett and Adeline Stewart; and Holland and Evie Grace Crabtree.  She is also survived by her sister in law, Hazel Gier, several beloved nieces and nephews and her good friends Maurine Topliff and Rosalie Popp.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters.  Neva Pearon, Clint Gier, Leona Cartner, Luther Gier, Glen Gier, Ersal Gier and Oleph Gier.  Of eight siblings, Nadine was the last remaining survivor.  She is also preceded by a great granddaughter, Jada Faye Opie.

Nadine modeled the ethics of the “Greatest Generation”, especially work, faith and courage.  Her childhood was impacted by the hardships of  the Great Depression.  In her younger years she attended school in Olean, then made her way to Hutchison, KS. as the wife of a WWII Navy soldier.  There she worked as a waitress, later supporting the war effort in the pant factory in Eldon.  Nadine raised her family and served her community as Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher and life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Eldon; lifetime member of the Legionnaires’ Ladies Auxiliary; Cub Scout Den leader; and Girl Scout Troop leader.  She was known for her cooking, especially cakes, pies and homemade ice cream.  The family regularly showed up for lunch, her summer bbq feasts, fried chicken dinners, beans and cornbread and chili.   She kept her home and her yard meticulous.  Nadine was a seamstress at Ridgeway’s Ladies Apparel in Eldon for 14 years.  She made many friends with the customers who knew her as, Miss Opie.  Nadine supported the family business, Opie’s Transport, with great pride.   For many years, she enjoyed her time traveling and eating out with best friends Roseanne Sewell, Maureen Topliff and Rosalie Popp.

Nadine’s kind and humble nature is demonstrated in the love shared for her by family and true friends.   She will be remembered, and her legacy will live on in the lives of all who knew her. 

The family is especially grateful for the love and care provided to Nadine during these past few years, especially the Hospice Compassus and the caregivers at The Lee House.  A big thank you to Diana Junker, who cared for Mom like family.  We will forever be grateful.

Due to an abundance of caution during these unprecedented times, Private Funeral Services for the Immediate Family will be held at Phillips Funeral Home in Eldon, Mo...    

The family suggests memorial contributions to The Eldon School District; please make checks payable to the “Mustang Legacy”.

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