Opal Gross

Date of Death: January 5, 2024

Opal G. Gross, 91, of Valparaiso Indiana passed away Friday, January 5, 2024, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born April 5, 1932, to David and Margaret Ernst in

Watrous, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Opal grew up on her family’s farm near Guernsey, Saskatchewan, Canada. She attended school at Mohawk Park School. A one room all grades school, near Guernsey, which she

attended with her sisters. At the age of sixteen, Opal moved to Valparaiso, to live with her sister (Margorie) and Brother-in-law (Frank “Bud” Shupe). She graduated from Valparaiso High

School and later from a Business College in South Bend, Indiana.

While attending High School, Opal worked as a car hop at Doyle’s Drive-in. After completing Business College, Opal went on to work at the First Federal Bank in Valparaiso,

Indiana. Later, she worked as a server at Merrill’s Restaurant (“Martinis”) in Valparaiso Indiana for nearly 40 years.

On April 26, 1952, in Valparaiso, she married the one single love of her life, Francis C.Gross. They would spend the next 47 years of wedded bliss together until his death in 1999.

Opal is survived by children: Leonard D. Gross of Valparaiso, Indiana, Charles J. (Crystal) Gross of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Dona R. Schneider of Valparaiso, Indiana, Bonnie S. (Robert) Boyd of Columbia, Missouri, and Bernard Schneider of Hannibal, Missouri. Six Grandchildren: Natasha K. Miller, Lloyd J. Miller (Emily), Charles C. Gross (Valerie), Brittany C. Schneider, Bonnie K. Schneider, Reid F. Boyd: Ten Great Grandchildren: Eight Great Great Grandchildren and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Opal was preceded in death by her Parents; her Husband; one brother, Clifford, and six sisters; Julia, Marjorie, Juan, Phyllis, Audrey, and Connie. She was also preceded in death by her

son Timothy C. Gross; Grand-daughters Jill M. Gross and Rebecca D. Schneider as well as Great Grandson Christian C. Gross.

Opal was always busy with one thing or another. She loved sunrises and sunsets, working in her Garden and Berry patch and making Mashed Potatoes for her Great Grandchildren. She

stayed young by just talking and spending time with her family and friends. She loved talking about Jehovah, her faith, and what the future held. Opal so loved and cherished her family and

friends that wished them all to be a part of her future life. Opal had a zest for life that will be deeply missed.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be conducted at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 198 W. Division Road, Valparaiso, Indiana at 2:00 PM on January 27, 2024. There will be a provision for viewing the service via Zoom for those who cannot attend in person. Please contact a family member for more information or a link to Opal’s service.

Interment will occur at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana at a later time

Opal G. Gross, 91, of Valparaiso Indiana passed away Friday, January 5, 2024, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born April 5, 1932, to David and Margaret Ernst in Watrous, Saskatchewan, Canada. Opal grew up on her family’s farm near Guernsey, Saskatchewan, Canada. She attended school at Mohawk Park School. A oneContinue Reading

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Opal will be remembered as the kindest and most generous woman of faith and of family. I always referred to her as did my siblings, as Aunt Opal, though she was technically Moms aunt, likely because they were so close in age. I know she is in a better place with loved ones. Wishing everyone solace in knowing she resting in peace.

So sorry to hear about Aunt Opal, We will remember her beautiful smile and her laugh. Wishing for you all to have the great memories of Opal to live on in your hearts. Sending you all hugs and lots of love.

Aunt Opal was a beautiful person inside and out.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.