Elizabeth "Betty" Opperman

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    Elizabeth Jeanne, daughter of Charles and Carrie Frances (Bauman) Harding was born April 24, 1928 on the family farm near Grimes, Iowa.

   Betty, as she was commonly known, grew up on the family farm graduating from Johnston High School in Johnston in 1946.  After high school, she worked as a secretary in Des Moines for her Aunt. She attended Iowa State College in Ames, where she studied Home Economics.  While attending Iowa State College, she participated in the Miss Iowa beauty pageant, taking first runner up in 1950. Ivan Opperman was her escort during the pageant activities.

   She was united in marriage with Ivan Leon Opperman on March 24, 1951 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. They were happily married for 64 years. Betty was an active member in many organizations throughout her lifetime.  Here are a few: Girl Scouts leader, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, 4-H, Presbyterian Ladies Circle, Iowa Democratic Party; Betty had a gift for organization and leadership, holding several leadership positions in all of the organizations she participated in.

   Due to declining health, she entered the Manning Plaza Nursing Home in Manning where she passed away on December 28, 2015 at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 4 days.

   Betty was preceded in death by her parents Charles Harding Sr. and Carrie Frances Bauman Harding; her siblings Frances Thiesfield, John Harding, Mary Sullivan, Charles Harding Jr. and Dorothy Harding.

   Betty is survived by her husband, Ivan Leon Opperman of Manning, IA; their children: Susann Siebke of Florence, Italy, John Henry & Nancy Opperman of Manning, IA; Emily Opperman of El Mirage, AZ; James (Jim) & Darci Opperman of Manning IA; Valarie & Jim Roberts of Algonquin, IL and Rhonda & Greg Wiebers of Mesa, AZ; 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.