Lyn R. Opalka, 85

Evelyn "Lyn" R. Opalka, 85, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2024.

Born May 16, 1939, in Bradenton, Florida. She was raised by her grandparents. She flew Pam Am to Asia and enjoyed time in Hong Kong. In 1965 she married Jim Borah and moved to Mohave Valley, Arizona.

In 2004, she married Dr. John D. Opalka. She enjoyed animals and had many over their years together. 

After John retired from his veterinary practice, they spend summers in Polson and winters in Mohave Valley, Arizona, until moving fulltime to Polson in 2017.

Lyn dedicated her life to making a difference in rural Arizona communities. Over her lifespan of more than 50 years, she volunteered with 34 organizations including community groups, professional associations, and electric cooperative organizations. 

Her employment career included management and marketing portions with commercial airlines, agriculture, and hospital administration.

In 1982 Lyn was elected to the Mohave Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, retiring in 2017 after serving 35 years, 27 of those as board president. In 1984 she became the first women elected to the Board of Directions of National Rural Utilities Finance Corporation (CFC) and in 1989 she became the first women to be elected to board president of an Arizona Electric Cooperative. She also represented Mohave Electric Cooperative for 21 years and served on the Board of Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative for 19 years.

She received the Arizona Electric Power Cooperative Distinguished Service Award in 2018. 

Lyn was a very dynamic lady and a true "force to be reckoned" with. She was always willing to be a listening ear and never hesitated to give her opinion. 

She developed many friends over the years and donated to many local charities. She won many awards on her beautiful flowers in the summer. Her wicked sense of humor kept her family, friends, and her providers laughing. My aunt was a very special and dynamic lady who will forever missed.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, husband, Dr. John D. Opalka; brothers-in-law, Bruce E. Opalka, and William Opalka; and sister-in-law, Ellen M. Opalka. 

She leaves behind her loving niece, Mary E. Opalka (Jeff LaPlume); nephew, James W. Opalka (Becky); sister-in-law, Diane Neuleib (Lyle). Along with her friends, Shelley, Polly, Sandy, Kay Ann, Mary Ann, and many, many more. She never knew a stranger.

A deep gratitude to her Logan Health providers, Dr. Gill, Dr. Obermiller, Dr. R. Roup and Dr. P. Jaffe, who provided excellent care of my aunt over the years.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at St. Richard Catholic Cemetery in Columbia Falls. To send online condolences please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.