Opal Faye Root passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2017, surrounded by her family. Opal was born April 3, 1936 in Tulsa, OK to Victor and Kay Gates. She was married in 1957 to Charles McKenzie Root in Norfolk, VA. He was the love of her life and they enjoyed 48 years of marriage prior to his death in 2005. She had been a resident of Ventura since 1963.
Opal’s primary career was as a homemaker and mother, both of which she excelled at. She was a gracious hostess, always welcoming others into her home whether for a party, dinner, or just inviting you to pull up a chair to the table. She loved her friends, her ‘Friday Out to Lunch Bunch’ adventures, collecting china and traveling and could make a mean apple pie. She was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church and loved being a greeter there most every Sunday.
As a mother she always fully participated as a Cub Scout/Camp Fire leader, Little League, room mother or any other activities her kids were involved in. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she was so proud of them. She never missed an opportunity to attend their school events, games, graduations, etc.
She is survived by her children, Carol Root of Ventura, Linda Root of Palmdale and Alan Root and wife Michelle of Ventura, her grandchildren; Olivia Uptergrove of Aurora, CO, Tammy Mellein of Ojai, Jaben Root of Livermore, CA and Madison and Patrick Root of Ventura. Rest peacefully Mom. We will miss you always but are comforted knowing you are with Dad again.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4th at 9:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura. A reception will follow at her home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.