Mrs. Opal L. Arnold, 86, of Michigan City, IN, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, at Golden Living-Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.
She was born Oct. 4, 1923, in Michigan City to Robert M. and Nancy (Riegle) Russell.
Opal was a member of First Christian Church and a former volunteer for Meals on Wheels, at Barker Mansion, at Memorial Hospital as a “pink lady,” and as a greeter at the Medical Group. She was very active in local politics, was a member of Michigan City Women’s Democratic Club and was extremely active in her husband Cliff Arnold’s political career. She had worked in sales at Lasko Furs and had also worked at Arno Tape. She loved her special dog, Speedy.
On Sept. 21, 1940, at First Christian Church, Michigan City, she married Clifford Arnold, who preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 1996.
Also preceding her in death were her son, Jack Arnold, in 1959; brothers Charles Russell and James Russell; and sisters Dorothy Kriesel, Helen Bendix, Lillian Fernandez and Margie Fishbeck.
Surviving are her son, Senator Jim (Lauren) Arnold of LaPorte; grandchildren Jackie (Tom) Dermody, Jami (Ron) Francis, Janel (Nick) Zarantonello, Jim (Jessica) Arnold, Jeff (Kim) Sitar, Julie (Dwayne) Tate, and Jim (Katie) Sitar; 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert (Elaine) Russell.
The service will be Tuesday, March 9, at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church, 11th and Cedar streets, Michigan City, with Rev. William Ledgerwood officiating. Visitation will be at Carlisle Funeral Home, Michigan City, on Monday, March 8, from 4 to 8 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Michigan City.
Memorials are suggested to Reins of Life, 9375 W. 300 N., Michigan City, IN 46360; or Institute for Disadvantaged/Social and Learning Institute, 210 E. Garfield St., Michigan City, IN 46360.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.carlislefh.com.
