Opal Marie Messner David passed away May 29, 2009 at twelve o’clock noon, just eight days shy of her 103rd birthday. Ms. David’s loved ones were with her at the time of her passing. Born to Joseph and Bertha Messner of Parnell, Missouri, in 1906, she married Lester David in April, 1926 and together they raised eleven children of which eight are still living. In 1937, Lester and Opal moved from Missouri to California, where they continued to farm, raising corn, apricots, chickens and milk cows. In 1968, they moved back to Missouri and made their home in Ravenwood. Lester David passed away there, in their home, in 1972. In 1978, Ms. David returned to California to be close to her children. Ms. David was a strong woman who overcame much adversity through her long and healthy life. She remained true to her family and never wavered from her love for each of her children. Ms. David began quilting at the young age of thirteen and continued until her health declined at 101 years of age. She leaves behind hundreds of beautiful quilts that will be valued for many years to come. Opal’s first quilt remains as beautiful and as colorful as the day she finished it. Ms. David leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to continue the Messner/David legacy. Rest in peace, sweet Mother, we love you dearly. Ms. David was inurned in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Ravenwood, Missouri beside her husband, Lester.