Mrs. Opal L. Maple, 89, of Galesburg passed away early Saturday morning March 22, 2025, at Seminary Manor Nursing Home.
Opal was born November 15, 1935, in rural Canton, Illinois the daughter of Dwight W. and Eileen B. (Cadwalader) Beaty. She graduated from Bushnell Prairie City High School in 1953 and Moody Bible Institute in 1956. She received her bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and later earned her master’s degree from Western Illinois University.
Opal married the love of her life, Gilbert R. Maple, Sr., on June 30, 1967, in Peoria, Illinois and shared eighteen years together till his passing on November 5, 1985. She is survived by her brother, Rev. Dr. Frank (Judie) Beaty of Bloomington, Illinois; stepdaughter, Patricia (Larry) Edwards of Washington, Illinois; stepdaughter-in-law, Mary Ann Maple of Medina, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Nathan (Jennifer) Edwards, Gregory (Shelly) Maple and Jeffrey (Marci) Maple; nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her stepson, Gilbert Maple, Jr.; her brother, Harold Beaty and one grandson, Paul Edwards.
Opal worked as a school psychologist in Peoria and Waukegan. She retired from Knox-Warren Special Education in June of 1996. Opal felt very strongly about being involved within her community. She served on several boards, including the executive board of the Knox County Genealogy Society and was a member and served on the executive board of the Rebecca Park Chapter DAR. Opal was a faithful lady, being a longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church. There she was very involved in various groups and committees within the church. She sang in their choir and served as the Superintendent of Sunday school. Opal loved to travel and was proud to say she had traveled to all 50 states and some foreign countries. She had a caring soul, visiting shut-ins regularly. She always made time to sing to them and read them scripture.
Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 pm Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel and on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church from 10:00-11:00. Funeral services following at 11:00 am with Pastor Lee Johnson officiating. Her burial will be 2:00 pm in Parkview Cemetery, 2001 N. University Street, Peoria, Illinois. Memorials may be given to Bethel Baptist Church or the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
