Opal Ruth Wilson, age 106, of Prairie City, Iowa, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Opal was born on July 28,1919 to Robert Hamiliton and Alice Esther "Essie" (Beckwith) Robinson where she was raised on a farm in Colo, Iowa with her eight siblings during The Great Depression.

The value and power of education was instilled in Opal from an early age. While money was scarce, her parents found a way to send their five daughters to college to receive their teaching certificates. She often reminded her family, "while many things in life can be taken away, no one can ever take your education." It was a lesson she lived by and one she passed on to generations after her.

After graduating high school at the age of 16, Opal attended Iowa Teacher's College and took master level courses at the University of Iowa and Simpson College. She taught P.E. and English classes at multiple rural schools. Her last teaching assignment was in Ames, Iowa where she remained in contact with several of her students for decades to come.

Opal was united in marriage to Burton Wilson on October 5, 1951. They made their home on a farm outside of Prairie City where they raised their two children, Daniel and Roberta. As a farmer's wife, she found herself at the forefront of conservation efforts and progressive farming techniques. Not only did Opal keep balance within the family home, but she did the bookkeeping for their fertilizer and chemical business.

Until the very end, Opal was a champion of farmers and progressive agriculture, a strong supporter of women pursuing their career dreams and never hesitated to encourage others to aim high and climb to the top.

Opal loved her family and friends fiercely, had a soft spot for anything blue or turquoise and rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes. In fact, the only thing that could occasionally move family down the priority list was an Iowa game.

All who met her were impressed by her vast knowledge, sense of humor and determination (or stubbornness). One thing is absolutely certain, she never knew a stranger!

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Dan (Sharon) Wilson and Roberta "Bobbie" (Carl) Swedberg. Four grandchildren, Michael (Leah) Wilson, David (Alicia) Wilson, Sarah (Greg) VanDerHart and Brian (Emma) Swedberg. Five step-grandchildren, Russell, Jeffery, Brian, Lorie and Sharon Diaz. Nine great-grandchildren, Caleb, Megan, Gage, Colton, Stella, Opal, Adam, Nora and Gwen.

Preceding Opal in death were her parents (Robert and Esther), her husband of 46 years (Burton), eight siblings (Lucille, Margaret, Dorothy, Clayton, Maxine, Edna, Virgil and Doyle) and lifetime friend and travel companion (Marilyn Sward).

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her Prairie Vista family in Altoona, Iowa, and to the dedicated care team for their compassionate support.

Opal's family will greet friends and relatives for a visitation on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City. A private memorial service will be held prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to American Cancer Society or The Skin Cancer Foundation.