Opal Ellen McKillip

Opal Ellen McKillip, 95, died Sunday (February 9, 2003) at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

She was born August 3, 1907, in rural McCook, to Ora Troy and Ethel Alice (Smith) Kelley.

On Oct. 18, 1924, she married Nile V. McKillip at Oberlin. They farmed most of their married life. After her husband's death she worked at J.C. Penney Company for 21 years and served as Social Director at the Senior Center for many years. She moved to Willow Ridge in 1995, and was there until February, 2002, when she moved to Hillcrest.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ora and Ethel Kelley; her husband, Nile McKillip in 1975; three sons, Bernard, Robert, and James; and one brother, Bud Kelley.

Survivors include one daughter, Marilyn and husband, Richard Koetter, of McCook; one son, Ronald McKillip and wife, Jacki, of McCook; one brother, Max Kelley of Cheyenne, Wyo.; one daughter-in-law, Merna McKillip of Douglas, Wyo.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, 2 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.