Opal Fern Kunz

Opal Fern Hart Kunz passed away April 18, 2019 at her home in Wardboro, Idaho.  She was born October 1, 1929, the second of the seven children of Fred William Hart and Freda Anna Reisner. She was born and raised in Virginia, Idaho, and graduated from Downey (Idaho) High School. She was actively involved in school and church functions in her youth, and her artistic talent became apparent early in life. After graduating high school, she lived in Salt Lake City, Utah where she met her beloved husband, Lyman Milton Kunz. They were married in the Logan LDS Temple in April 1956. Together, they devotedly raised a family of nine children. Opal’s children have many fond memories of stories and coloring pages she created for them: no two were ever the same. She was energetic enjoyed playing with and caring for her children, as well as gardening, canning, bread baking, and thousands of loads of laundry.

Opal and Lyman were privileged to serve five missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints missions during their senior years: Fiji Suva; Samoa Apia; Nigeria Africa; Billings Montana; and historical preservation in Chesterfield, Idaho. Whether or not she spoke the language of her mission, she deeply loved those she served, and found ways to communicate, often through music. She had a deep and abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which she frequently shared with others. Her prayers were as though she spoke to a dear friend.

Opal was blessed with extraordinary sweetness and innocence, and a loving personality. There was no one that she didn’t love, regardless of their circumstances. She never criticized or spoke unkindly of anyone. She was genuine in her love and acceptance of all people. She offered a sympathetic, listening ear to those burdened with troubles. She was truly a woman without guile.

Opal had a special love for little children. She served in many church capacities, and was happiest when teaching young children. She loved to draw or trace pictures for them to color. She possessed many artistic abilities, including the almost-lost art of tinting black and white photos. She tinted photos for many years for the local photography studio in Montpelier. She was happy to share this knowledge with anyone who expressed a desire to learn. Opal loved animals—and they loved her—especially her chickens, cats, and cows. Through the years, stray animals of every kind adopted her. She always welcomed and cared for them.

Love of music was an important part of Opal’s heritage. She often hummed as she worked throughout the day. She especially enjoyed singing hymns, and sang folk songs learned during her childhood. She loved to crochet and created many doilies, countless toy animals, and several exquisite tablecloths.

Preceding Opal in death are her parents; her husband, Lyman; her brother, William Hart; and grandchildren, Spencer Miller, Stephanie Miller and Celeste Kunz. She is survived by all nine children, Carma Miller (David), Ruth Davis (Mark), Nathan Kunz (Laura), Beth Coleman (Craig), Pearl Kunz, Merrill Kunz, Howard Kunz (Tricia), Martha Bolan (Steve), and Christine Harris (Glen); forty-five grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren, as well as siblings Jim Hart (Nadine); Goldie Burton; Judy Lewis (Dave); Henry Hart (Alaine); and Nola Nielsen (Charles).

Opal is much loved and will be missed. We are grateful for her remarkable life and example. In memory of Opal, please express your love to someone, tell a story to a child, or show a kindness to brighten another’s day.

A funeral service will be held April 27, 2019 at 12:00 pm in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Dingle Ward. A night Viewing will be held in the Dingle Church April 26, 2019 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and prior to services on the 27th from 10:00 - 11:45 am. 

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