Obituary of Opal Jeanette Van Der Hart

Opal Jeanette Van Der Hart, 88, of Newton, formerly of Monroe, the daughter of Charles Ray and Mattie Elizabeth (Noftsger) Loynachan, was born July 16, 1934, near Lacona, Iowa. She was a Pleasantville High School graduate.

On October 5, 1956, Opal was united in marriage with Doyle Walter Van Der Hart in Pleasantville. She devoted her life to her family, and was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She enjoyed being part of local groups and wintering in Casa Grande, AZ with Doyle. She enjoyed working outdoors, gardening, crafts, canning and being with family and friends. She was employed by Hawkeye Security Insurance, as a secretary.

Opal died Thursday afternoon, September 22, 2022, at her home at Park Centre in Newton. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Doyle on May 4, 2021, and a great-granddaughter.

Funeral services for Opal will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the Monroe United Methodist Church, with a visitation one hour prior to the services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Monroe United Methodist Church, Opal’s family, or to a charity of your choosing. Burial will be in the Silent City Cemetery in Monroe.

The Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the arrangements. A Facebook broadcast of the funeral service for Opal will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 29, on the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page.

Those left to honor Opal’s memory include her children: Mike (Jodi) Van Der Hart of St. Charles, IA and Carol (Greg) Ingram of Johnston, IA; her five grandchildren: Travis (Hannah) Van Der Hart, Jessica (Kenny) Halstead, Elijah (Novana) Ingram, Elena Ingram and Isabel Ingram; her six great-granddaughters; and her many extended family and friends.