Opal Wilcox

Opal Maxine Rowley Wilcox, formerly of Sheridan, Wyoming passed away from natural causes, at home, in St. George, Utah on July 23, 2022. She was born in Harlem, Montana on February 11, 1927, to Hugh Francis and Erma Rowley.

She was the firstborn of nine children:  Her sister Doris was born and passed away shortly thereafter. Her brother Hugh Delos lived approximately a year before he passed.

Her brother Ursal Francis lived two weeks before he passed away. Her brother Walter lived approximately a month before he passed away. Four brothers followed: Miland, Noland, Lawrence, and John. Opal Learned the value of hard work early in life as she helped on the farm and assisted her mother in the rearing of her four younger brothers. She was preceded in death by her brothers Miland, Lawrence, and Noland and by her parents.

Opal married Arthur Lincoln Wilcox (deceased) on August 16, 1946. Together they had Clifford Francis Wilcox. Eventually, they divorced. Following that divorce, Opal married Robert Eugen Cutler (deceased) on September 21, 1951.  Together they had five sons: Robert David, Doyle Rowley, James Rowley, Brett Rowley, and Daniel Rowley.

Opal considered her 6 children, 30 grandchildren, 83 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren to be her greatest accomplishment.

She worked hard to acquaint her children with the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach them to love the Lord. She served faithfully in her various church callings including chorister, choir director, and youth leader. Amongst other worthy endeavors, she authored, directed, and produced various dramatic and musical presentations.  She was always ready and willing to make herself available to mentor any young person wanting to develop their own artistic talents.

Later in life and following a brief period of time alone Opal married Golden Averett. She served two LDS missions with him.

Twice, she battled and survived breast cancer.  She attributed her survival to healthy living and abiding by the precepts of The Word of Wisdom as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

A brief viewing period will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Boulder Ridge Stake Center, 1762 South River Road, Saint George, Utah 84790.  Online condolences may be written at www.sheridanfuneral.com. Local arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.