Opal L. Artrip-Cook

Opal L. Artrip-Cook, 95, died early Monday, February 20, 2023 at Bucyrus Community Hospital following a recent illness.

She was born December 11, 1927 in Russell County, Virginia to the late John O. and Ada (Stinson) Harris. The primary schoolhouse was conveniently located next door to the family farm, and she began working as an in-home caregiver at age 16. One of her schoolmates introduced Opal to his older brother, Volney Artrip, while he was home on leave. They began corresponding and were married June 19, 1946. Volney and Opal made their way to Bucyrus in the 1950s where he worked for Swan Rubber. Opal was a homemaker and will be remembered as a gifted seamstress who helped countless people by mending and altering their clothing. Volney preceded her in death in 1991 and then Opal was reacquainted with a childhood friend who was also widowed and living in Ohio. She married William Foster Cook and moved to Gahanna until his death in 2007 when she returned to Bucyrus to live near family.

In addition to her sewing work, Opal will be remembered for her cooking, especially her scrumptious yeast rolls. She loved her Savior, Jesus Christ and grew up attending Campbell Baptist Church. Since moving to Bucyrus, she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. In earlier years, she looked forward to visits “down home.” She also gathered to celebrate with friends in their “Birthday Club.” At home, she enjoyed reading the daily paper and working its crossword puzzle. She was a proud American and honored to have been the daughter of a WW1 veteran and wife of two WW2 veterans.

Opal is survived by son, John (Belinda) Artrip of Bucyrus; daughter-in-law, Ann Artrip of Mount Gilead; grandchildren, Tracy Artrip, Isaac (Courtney) Kunze, Laura Artrip, Emma Artrip, and Jonathan Artrip; and sister, Laura Maxfield.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by son, Keith Artrip and siblings, Tolbert Harris, Bertha Monk, Reda Mangus, Ross Harris, Mitchell Harris, and Eula Gay Crabtree.

Services for Opal will be held at Wise Funeral Service on Thursday, February 23. Family will receive friends from 12 – 12:55 pm and her funeral will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Ken Lance officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations are encouraged to be made payable to Calvary Baptist Church and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on Opal’s Tribute Wall.