Opal Mae (Dirks) Giesbrecht was born to Daniel and Amanda (Koehn) Dirks at the family farm west of Montezuma, Kansas, on June 23, 1923.

She grew up on the farm together with her ten siblings, helping milk cows and perform the other duties that went along with farm life. Her eight years of schooling were completed at the South Lone Star School, sometimes walking the four miles each way.

She gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Montezuma on December 19, 1937, by Minister Frank Haynes. The faith was precious to her, and she remained faithful to her vows until the end.

She found her life's companion in Vernon Giesbrecht, and they were married on March 19, 1944, at Montezuma by Minister David J. Koehn. They enjoyed nearly sixty-seven years of married life.

Vernon was called to the ministry four and a half years after they were married and was the only minister in the Cimarron Congregation for some time. Opal found it very challenging to be called to this responsibility so early in their married life, but she faithfully supported him in his calling and work.

Their willingness to serve led them to various places of service through the years. Beginning in 1956, they spent numerous years in the Greasewood, Arizona area working among the Navajo people. These people were dear to their hearts for the rest of their lives.  Their five years in Wallace County from 1976 to 1981, helping establish the Sharon Springs congregation, were another highlight in their lives. In the mid-eighties they enjoyed two winters in Willcox, Arizona helping establish the new congregation there.

During their time in Greasewood, Tony Larson joined their home and lived with them until he was taken from them in a tragic accident in 1970. Eugene Chee spent time in their home as well and she loved him as a son.

Never having children of her own, Opal took a keen interest in her and Vernon's eighty-seven nephews and nieces. The Cimarron Congregation was also like family and very dear to her. She was always concerned about our spiritual well-being, sending many personal notes of encouragement through the years. Her ability to remember details about our lives amazed us and even during her years at Bethel Home she would often ask about various ones and inquire how they were doing.

In 1967 Vernon and Opal bought the Bob Hopper farm northeast of Cimarron where they farmed for many years. Living and farming alongside her nephew Gerald and Diane, she became like another mother and grandma to them and their children. Opal continued to have a keen interest in the farm until the end and thoroughly enjoyed a drive out to the farm and around the community within the last few weeks of her life.

Opal was very hospitable, and her table was often surrounded by guests. Her delicious Navajo tacos, fondue meals, and annual north-of-town neighbors' waffle suppers are remembered by many of us. She spent many hours lovingly tending her beautiful flowers and vegetable garden.

In 1995, they retired from the farm and moved to Montezuma where they purchased a retirement home. In 2002 they made the move to a brand-new apartment at Bethel Home. As Vernon's health deteriorated, he moved into full care. As his mind failed him, Opal took the responsibility of having evening devotions with him, which always had a calming effect on him. After his passing in 2011, Opal often talked about how much she missed him and how she longed to go home to be with him.

With her health declining, Opal moved into full care in 2016, where she spent her last seven years brightening the lives of those around her. When visitors prepared to leave her room, she would often ask them to have prayer. Frequently she would ask if we were ready to meet the Lord. Recently she told the Lord that she was ready to die, but if he wanted her to live, she was ready to live as well.

It had long been her desire to go home, and this longing was fulfilled on October 28, 2023, when she very gently and peacefully passed to her eternal reward, reaching the age of one hundred.

Those left to cherish her memory are her foster son Eugene Chee, Indian Wells, AZ; three sisters-in-law: Evelyn and Bob Unruh, Mary Ann and Calvin Dirks, and Verda Giesbrecht all of Montezuma; and many special nephews and nieces.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Vernon; foster son, Tony Larson; her parents; five brothers; and five sisters.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 am Thursday, November 2, 2023 at the Church of God In Christ Mennonite Church in Cimarron with Ministers Karlin Koehn, Dallas Koehn and Lyndon Toews officiating.  Burial will be at 2:00 pm Thursday in the North Mennonite Cemetery, Montezuma.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Church of God In Christ Mennonite.

The family suggests memorials to Bethel Home in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.  Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com