Opal Mae Gooch

 Opal Mae Gooch, age 77 of Edgar Springs, Mo., passed away February 13, 2018 at her residence in Edgar Springs, Mo., surrounded by her family.Opal was born on March 15, 1941 in San Francisco, California, a daughter to Teddy and Hattie (Christian) Rarick. They precede her in death. Opal was a member of the Edgar Springs Union Church in Edgar Springs. She was a proud American who loved her country. She enjoyed nursing and was an O.B. nurse for over 35 years, helping bring thousands of babies into the world. She mentored many people, young and old. She loved shopping, singing, dancing, softball, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and riding horses, but most of all she loved her family and spending time with them. Her grandkids would say "she had many secrets" and was known as the "Secret Keeper". She had a special place in her heart for all of them. Her granddaughter Brooke would spend many hours with her, driving around. They had a joke between them that she was driving Miss Daisy. They had a very special bond between the two of them. Opal never met a stranger and loved everyone and everything. She was truly the glue that held everyone together. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Opal is survived by: four children, Ricky Gooch of St. James, Mo., Rhonda Chambers of Edgar Springs, Sherry Guill of Edgar Springs, and Travis Gooch of Vida, Mo., numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and cherished friends, one sister, Patricia Sickles of Celia, Georgia, and one brother, Teddy Rarick and his wife Faye of Bridgefort, TX. Opal is preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Gooch and one infant daughter, Debra Gooch. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 1: 00p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Kabe Kona Hills 13976 CR 7240 Newburg, Mo. 65550. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Rolla Parks and Recreation. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Rolla Cremation and Memorial P.O. Box 1602 Rolla, Mo.65402. (573) 341-0220. www.rollacremation.com