Opal Yvonne Harden

Opal Yvonne Harden, aged 84, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023, surrounded by her family after losing her long battle with metastatic breast cancer. Opal began her life October 25, 1938, in Martin County, Indiana, to Dewey and Eskel (Truelove) Mauder. As one of thirteen children, she was always surrounded by family and her brothers and sisters were important parts of her life up to the end. After starting her own family, she made a home in Bloomington and began her 37-year career on the assembly line at RCA. After retiring, Opal worked part-time cleaning houses and was able to devote even more time to her family. Mae West said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Grandma Opal (as most people knew her) did it right. During her one life she touched many lives and leaves an incredible legacy. Opal liked to spend time reading, playing dominos, cat napping and taking care of her birds and flowers. She also had a love of travel and took many trips over the years with her friends and family. She recently discovered a love for cruising and during those trips she was able to swim with a dolphin, summit a pyramid, kiss a stingray, dine on fine cuisine and of course gamble. She was never one to pass up a new adventure, even in her eighties. Opal had many interests and loved her family, but as she recorded on her official investment paperwork, her passion was her grandkids. She supported her grandkids in all their endeavors whether it be academic, artistic or athletic. If you asked her to come, you could count on finding her white hair in the crowd cheering you on. In addition to events, she was always the center of family celebrations and holidays. We had been planning our annual Easter egg hunt in her big yard, it will not be the same without her. In addition to her immediate family, Opal made sure to stay connected to her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates and community. She organized the family reunions, Mauder Christmas dinner and of course, made the best noodles and sweet potatoes at both. She was a member of the Southern Hills Church of Christ and former member of the North Central Church of Christ. She was a member of the local book club Judging Covers and enjoyed the opportunity to read books she would never choose herself. Opal also volunteered as a site host for Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build, proudly wearing her “Grandma Opal” nametag. We would be remiss to not mention Opal’s love of IU basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football. She had fun stories of celebrating in town when IU won the NCAA championships and always rooted against Purdue. During her last year of treatments, watching sports gave her a needed escape and these teams were her favorites. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Cathy (Steve) Harden, Jerry (Joni) Hickam and Robert (Julie) Hickam; grandchildren: Shannon, Lora, Jeramy, Ben, Jeffrey, Thomas, Erin and Tim; great grandchildren: Ashley, Cullen, Ben, Ollie, Ava, Evie, Jaina, Gabe, Mara, Reese and Jay; 3 great great grandchildren; sisters Illeen Luttrell and June Miller; numerous nieces, nephews extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by ten siblings Eugene Mauder, Forrest Mauder, Imogene Freeman, Lester Mauder, Bobby Mauder, Norman Mauder, Jack Mauder, Erma Weaver, Barbara Cullison, Chuck Mauder and her parents. Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37, officiated by Brother Pat Arthur. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday before the service. Entombment will be at Valhalla Memory Gardens. A meal following the service will be provided by Southern Hills Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Opal Yvonne Harden

October 25, 1938 - April 2, 2023