Opal Lodowsky Myres, age 86, was born Opal Elliott and was also known as Opal Bays. She was born to Samuel and Olive “Ollie” Elliott on the family farm in Roby, Missouri. She passed away on March 7, 2026, at Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Missouri.
Opal was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Margori; two brothers, Sammy and Harold Elliott; two beloved children, Wendy Myres and Jackie (JD) Dean Bays; and long time companion, Russell William Friend.
She is survived by her sons, James “Kabin” (April) Myres (Roby) and their six children, Deborah (Reza) Eghtesad (Oklahoma), William (Kayla) Myres (Florida), Sierra (Kenny) Sinclair (Houston), Kolton Myres, Summer Myres and Olivia Myres; and son Samuel “Coby” (Ashley) Myres (Plato) and their four children, Kenidy Myres, Thatcher Myres, Estella Turner and Amelia Turner.
She was survived by her eldest grandchild, Bridgett (Chad) Ball (Winfield, Iowa); her five great-grandchildren, Garrick Ball, Kabby and Jackson Myres and Mikael and Xzavier Zumalt; three brothers, George (Jackie) Elliott, Wilson (Carmen) Elliott and Steve (Linda) Elliott; and one sister, Sally Elliott; numerous nieces, nephews and family whom she loved dearly.
Opal married the love of her life, Jackie Dean “Jack” Bays. Though their time together was short, they shared a few wonderful years and welcomed their son, J.D. Bays. Several years after his passing, she married Marvin Leroy Myres and they had three children: Wendy, Kabin and Coby.
She attended Bell School in her younger years then moved to Bloodland School and later graduated from Plato High School in 1958. She worked for several years at the PX in Fort Leonard Wood. She worked in garment factories such as Rawlings. Opal believed in and trusted God and attended Porter Chapel Church with her friend and companion, Russell Friend. This week, we smiled as we discovered the little treasures she had tucked away inside all of her Bibles.
She spent many years raising her children on her farm. Known for her caring heart, she also devoted time to helping others as a caregiver. She loved the outdoors and simple country pleasures: spending time with her cattle, riding horseback, going on fishing adventures, picking up interesting rocks on her walks in the woods, collecting all things and picnicking in unique spots she found along the way. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren, creating memories that will live on in their hearts forever.
A visitation for Opal will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at Roby Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Long Hollow Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.