Opal Eunice Heater was born October 16, 1928 to Fred and Charlotte Lienemann in Marienthal, Kansas. Opal passed away March 15, 2010 at Washington County Nursing home in Akron, CO. Opal was preceded in death by both her parents, her husband and best friend of over 51 years, Elmer D. Heater, Jr., brothers Darlo and Max Lienemann, a sister, Alta Vae Orvis, daughters Rikki Gardner and Sue Preston, and grandchildren Erik Gardner and Brett Preston. She is survived by brothers Leroy and wife Gwen Lienemann of Oxnard, CA, Donald and wife Laura Lienemann of Commerce City, CO, sons Randall and wife Debbie of Montague,CA, Russell and wife Jacque of Flagler, CO, 15 grandchildren, many great and great-great grandchildren and life partner Leland Wayne Goodman of Akron, CO. Opal had many accomplishments during her life. She was a proud member of the VFW Woman's Auxiliary, The Rebekah Lodge and with Opal's great interest in her ancestry, the Daughter's of the American Revolution.

Opal met Elmer through his brother Glen. Glen, while driving his milk route which took him to Wilsonville, Nebraska, he met Opal and thought she would be a good match for his brother Elmer. Little did he know it would be a match made in Heaven. They were married in April of 1955. Opal had three children from a previous marriage and when Opal and Elmer united he proudly adopted her children and proclaimed he was not just accepting her, but all of them to be in his life forever. They moved to Fort Collins, CO where they became the proud parents of another addition to the Heater clan, a baby girl. Now with their family complete they remained in Fort Collins until they both retired due to health reasons and moved back to Akron, CO where they remained until their death.

The funeral service was held Saturday, March 20, 2010 10:00 a.m. at Brenner Funeral Home in Akron, CO with Pastor Sue Spencer officiating and interment following at Yuma Cemetery, Yuma, CO. Brenner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Heart and Lung Association.