Opal Saxton

Opal Saxton PHOENIX - Opal Saxton, beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away on July 9, 2010, at her daughter's home in Phoenix. She was born May 28, 1923, in Warren, Ore., in the home her grandfather built after he led a wagon train across the Oregon Trail. Opal moved with her parents to Hammett, Idaho, where she lived until she graduated from Glens Ferry High School. She married Richard Fisk in Boise, Idaho, on Valentines Day, 1943. After the war years they made their home in Boise, raising two daughters. At the age of fifty-four Opal began college while working as the Director of Chi Omega at Washington State University. In 1981 she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Women's Studies. She interrupted her work on a Masters in Adult Education to begin a two-year assignment with the Peace Corps. As a volunteer in Sierra Leone, South Africa, she taught tailoring and worked for the United Nations during the summer months. Returning from Africa Opal spent time traveling and then worked again as a Sorority Director in Fresno, California. She moved to Sun City in 1992 where she cared for the elderly and Alzheimer's patients. She participated in AAUW, NOW, the Sun City Players, the Sun City Democrats and the Unitarian Universalist Church. One of her greatest joys was studying theater and entertaining others in theatrical productions. Gardening, a lifelong interest, gave her many hours of pleasure. All who knew her appreciated her sense of humor, aesthetic of beauty, and generous spirit. Opal is survived by her daughters, Kathleen Preece (Steve), and Linda Miller (Philip); sister, Alma Marvin (Frank); grandchildren, Colleen Wonacott, Marreen Burton, Jake Hite, and Jon Hite; great-grandchildren, Cody and Kelsey Wonacott, and McKenna Burton; and many dear friends. Her mother Mildred Averill, father Chester Saxton, sister Elva Saxton, stepfather Charles Averill and nephew James Averill preceded her in death. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 17540 N. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise, on Saturday, July 24th at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.