Opal L. (Allman) Hardesty

Opal L. Hardesty, 85, of North Vernon, passed away at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at her residence.

Born September 16, 1939, in Seymour, she was the daughter of the late Cecil Allman and Dorothy (Stroup) Smith. She married Charles Hardesty on March 25, 1989, in Hawthorn, Florida; he preceded her in death on January 22, 2018.

Opal graduated from Columbus High School and attended one year of college in Indianapolis. She worked as a CNA for Columbus Regional Hospital in Labor and Delivery for several years and had previously worked sewing for the former Regal Rugs in North Vernon. Opal was a member of Commiskey Baptist Church. She enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, traveling, and fishing in Michigan and Florida. Opal loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include her son, Douglas (Sue) Reece of Lovett; daughters, Myra (Bobby) Hendrix of Paris Crossing, Robin (Mike) Clerkin of Dupont and Missy (Troy) Vance of North Vernon; brothers, Donald (Carolyn) Allman of Dupont and Daniel “Danny” Smith of Butlerville; sisters, Joy Bartlett of North Vernon and Mourine (David) Pope of Columbus; grandchildren, Gretchen  (Travis) Gabehart and Aaron (Sydney) Clerkin, both of North Vernon, Morgan (Keaton) Douglas of Ketchikan, Alaska, Daniel (Erica) Colson of Dry Ridge, Kentucky, Jessica Hendrix of Paris Crossing, Andy (Kaylan) Henry of Scottsburg, Sara (Jacob) Dart of Deputy, Britta (Tyler Jahnigen) Vance of Versailles and Mollibeth (Jaden Crawford) Stout of Westport; twelve great-grandchildren; and her faithful companion, Itsy Bit. .

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sons, Michael Reece and Mark Stout; brother, Eddie Smith; sister, Brenda Shaw; grandchild, Lindsey Reece; and great-grandchild, Logan Dart.

A funeral service for Opal will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon. The visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon.

Memorials may be made in honor of Opal through the funeral home to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Mercy Rescue and Adoption Inc.

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