Burnetta Opel

Burnetta Carolina Anna Opel, 95, of Jefferson City, died Sunday, November 20, 2011, at Heisinger Bluffs. She was born October 19, 1916, in Cole County, the daughter of Harry G.H. and Louise Apollonia (Krueger) Ehrhardt. She attended Enterprise Public School and Russellville High School. On December 25, 1941, Burnetta was united in marriage at St. John Lutheran Church (Stringtown) to Ernest Otto Opel, who preceded her in death on September 20, 1955. Burnetta worked as a cook for the Jefferson City Public Schools and worked at Cheseborough Ponds until her retirement. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Burnetta loved to travel, taking her daughters by bus on month-long vacations each year. From an early age, she was interested in photography, taking pictures at family events and all the places she visited. She enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting, gardening and being with her family. Burnetta was very appreciative of all the friends and family that visited with her over the years at Heisinger Bluffs. Survivors include three daughters: Mary Rose Cronian and husband Robert of Huber Heights, Ohio, Lola Ann Watts and husband Jeffrey of Fayette, and Doris Jane Schmutzler and husband Gary of Jefferson City; five grandchildren: Stephanie Adams of West Harrison, Indiana, Carrie Krasucki and husband Pawel of St. Charles, Lesley Hendrix and husband Josh of Columbia, Julie Tegeler and husband Ben of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Lee Schmutzler of Jefferson City; and two great-granddaughters: Jetta and Mackenna Tegeler of Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a great- granddaughter, Andrea Reece Hendrix. Friends will be received from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Russ Bowder officiating. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Trinity Lutheran School or Hospice Compassus. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St., (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com