Colonial
Springs
Reflections
Volume 26, Issue 10
October 2015
Colonial Springs Healthcare Center is an affiliate of CMH, Bolivar, Mo., 417-326-6000
Facility Location: 750 West Cooper, Buffalo, Mo. 65622, 417-345-2228
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Resident Spotlight
1
Facebook
1
Resident Pictures
2
Upcoming Activities
2
Calendar of Events
3
Resident Birthdays
4
New Residents
4
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Re s i d e n t S p o t l i g h t
O p a l J e a n S t e wa r t
Opal Jean Stewart was born on Nov.
22, 1926, in Kingman, Kan. She had one
brother and one step-brother.
When she was two years old, her family
moved to Colorado. Sadly, while living
there, father passed away. After his
passing, Opal’s mother decided to stay in
Colorado. Upon this decision, Opal and
her brother moved to Byron, Okla. where
they were raised by their grandparents.
“The funny thing about Byron, is that
on one side of the street you were in
Oklahoma,” says Opal with a smile. “Then,
if you walked across the street, you were
in Kansas. It was pretty neat going to
school in one state then coming home to
another.”
When Opal was 15, her grandfather
retired from the railroad and her family
moved to Rimby, Mo. While there, Opal
met the love of her life, Herbert Stewart.
“He hauled milk. One day, he stopped by
our house to ask grandma if she had any
milk to sell,” says Opal. “Low and behold,
he was really looking at me. A few months
later we were married.” Herbert and Opal
were married on Sept. 18, 1946, in
Anthony, Kan., at the same parsonage
where she was baptized.
After they married, the couple made
Bolivar their home. Herbert ran his milk
route while Opal stayed home and cared
for the children. Herbert and Opal were
blessed with three boys: Herbert Jr.,
James and Gary. Opal also has been able
to enjoy her eight grandchildren,
15 great-grandchildren and one greatgreat grandchild.
In 1954, the Stewarts purchased a 40
acre farm in Rimby. While Herbert ran his
route, Opal would milk 20 cows and cared
for her beloved guinea chickens. She always enjoyed being a farmer’s wife.
Due to his failing health, Herbert
retired in 1975. After retirement, the Stewarts enjoyed playing music, being a part of
the CB Club and spending time with their
family.
Sadly, Herbert passed away in 1996.
“When Herbert died, a little bit of me went
with him,” states Opal.“I miss him deeply
and treasure all of the time we had together.”
We are so glad that Opal is part of our
Colonial Springs Healthcare Center family.
She is a joy to be around and an inspiration. Thank you for allowing us to get to
know you.
Are you a caring individual who would like to assist in caring for the elderly?
Colonial Springs Healthcare Center has opportunities in its volunteer and nursing
program. For more information, call administrator Theresa today at 417-345-2228.