Opal Hill

Opal Hill, of Carrizozo, was called Home on June 14, 2018 at the age of 75. Opal was born and raised in Carrizozo, the youngest daughter of Andrew and Eunice McBrayer. In an interview for the Lincoln County News when she was about 9, Andrew admitted to the reporter that Opal was a good little rancher, but she refused to milk the cow! When she committed her life to the Lord, she had to be baptized in the stock tank.

Opal McBrayer and Wayland Hill were High School sweethearts and, shortly after graduation, the Homecoming Queen married the captain of the football team. Opal wore many hats in her professional life. Her first job was as a telephone operator at the Harkey building. She and Wayland owned and operated a laundromat and car repair shop; she also owned and operated a fabric and sewing store. She worked for a time as a radio dispatcher for the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and washed dishes at Jackie's Cafe. She wired motors for welders built by Belco Industries, and later worked in the office in an administrative role. She also put in some time at Wells Fargo. Opal finally found her professional niche working as Deputy Clerk of Lincoln County, retiring after 20 years to the date after she started her employment. There she developed many relationships she treasured for the rest of her life. In between jobs she found time to sew and crochet and make a loving home for her family and raise them all to be a close-knit group. She cared for her children and grandchildren to be a help to their working parents, and was a generous donor to children's charities. She managed to attend many sports functions and bring lots of dishes to potlucks, fund raisers, and various other community events.

Opal was a member of Rainbow Girls and Rebekah's Lodge. In later years she enjoyed taking part in the Christmas Cantata. She was a very patriotic woman who instilled respect and love for our country in her children and grandchildren, always making sure they understood that it's a privilege and responsibility to be informed and vote (especially in local elections).

Opal was a life-long member of the Church of Christ, and she saw to it that her family all knew of the grace and love of the Lord. Oh, how she loved the singing! She exemplified her faith by keeping in close touch with family and friends. She had a great memory for birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers and addresses.

Opal is survived by Wayland Hill, her husband of 57 years; children Cristabel (Randy) Barnes of Tucson, AZ; and Annette Vega, Walter (Becky) Hill, and Phil Hill all of Carrizozo, NM. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Meleah (Bryan) Barns family (3 children), Arthur (Jackie) Barnes; Sonny (Talisha) Vega family (3 children), Kinsey (Lucy) Vega family (2 children), Erica and Joanna Vega; Emilly, Jeremiah, and Ashley Hill; and Anna-Leah and Lawrence Hill.

Services will be held at the Capitan Church of Christ (420 Lincoln Avenue) on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 11:00 A.M., preceded by a viewing at 10:15 A.M. Lunch will be served following the funeral, then a graveside service will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Carrizozo at 2:00 P.M.

If you wish to donate in lieu of flowers, Opal's favorite charity was Manuelito Navajo Children's Home, P.O. Box 58, Gallup, NM 87305.

Heartfelt thanks to so many of our extended family and friends who have already dropped by with food, supplies, condolences and memories. We are so blessed to know you.

Visitation

Capitan Church of Christ
420 Lincoln Ave.
Capitan, NM  88316
Friday, June 22, 2018
10:15 until 11:00 A.M.

Service

Funeral Service

Capitan Church of Christ
420 Lincoln Ave.
Capitan, NM  88316
Friday, June 22, 2018
11:00 A.M.

Graveside Service

Evergreen Cemetery
Drexel Blvd.
Carrizozo, NM  88301
Friday, June 22, 2018
2:00 PM