of Poplar Grove, AR
October 26, 1932 - May 7, 2024
Opal Schwantz, age 91, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Poplar Grove, Arkansas. She was born on Wednesday, October 26,1932 in Tyronza, Arkansas to the late Thomas M. Montgomery Sr. and Lona Montgomery. Opal received an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences and later became a Registered Nurse. She was an employee of the Phillips County Health Department for eighteen years. Opal spent her free time gardening, sewing, fishing, dancing, playing Yahtzee and helping others.
She is survived by her six daughters, Gail Clancy (Walter) of Henderson, Kentucky, Mary Kay Rohrscheib (Richard) of Poplar Grove, Arkansas, Lona Bryant of Poplar Grove, Arkansas, Jean Clark of Poplar Grove, Arkansas, Opal N. Schwantz of Memphis, Tennessee and Helen Brown of Harrisburg, Arkansas; a very special daughter-in-law, Sharee Chu Schwantz of Northlake, Texas; five sons, Harry Schwantz III (Sherry) of Poplar Grove, Arkansas, Hershell Schwantz (Karen) of Lexa, Arkansas, Michael Schwantz (Cheri) of Barton, Arkansas, Dean Schwantz (Ronni) of Marianna, Arkansas and David Schwantz (Amy) of Poplar Grove, Arkansas; twenty- four grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. The family would also like to acknowledge three very special caregivers, Jackie Martin, Betha Young and Beatrice Robinson.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of twenty-seven years, Harry H. Schwantz Jr.; parents, Thomas and Lona Montgomery; brother, Thomas Montgomery Jr.; sister, Elise Williams; son, Macon Schwantz; grandson, Jack Schwantz; granddaughter, Emily Claire Bryant and son in law, Bruce Alan Brown Sr.
Pallbearers will be Sonny Schwantz, John Clark, Alan Brown, Quentin Brown, Jacob Schwantz and Ryan Bryant.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Hunter Bryant, Commie Clancy, Brandon Clancy, Collin Schwantz, Seth Schwantz, Jordan Schwantz and Joseph Perry
A Mass of Christian Burial for Opal Schwantz will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Helena, Arkansas. A visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Rosary Service at 10:30 a.m. Father Gilbert Tairo and Father James Ibeh will officiate. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in West Helena, Arkansas.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
Thinking of Each Family Member, Remember All the Good times, and know Ms. Opal is Rejoicing in her new home with many Family and Friends.
Praying for your Families.
Mary Kay, may you find peace and comfort during the difficult days ahead. Sending prayers for you.
To the family of Ms.Opal Swantz.She will truly be missed and longer for a long time ,but the Love that she had for the children and people she met will love on.Forever and ever ,On and on as long as her children do as she did ,Love as she loved.Treat people as she treated them Smile like she smiled.Her love will live and grow on each and every day.
I was very sad to hear this news, Mrs Opal was my supervisor for years at the health department, she loved everyone, I would always get a big hug when we meet in Walmart. I pray for strength and guidance for each of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with this huge and loving family
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother! Prayers go out to all of you!
I always remember your Mother’s love and patience. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out. Peace be with you all.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers
Ms. Opal was such a sweet and thoughtful lady.
She was such a special friend to me.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Sincerely with love,
Laurie Smith McLendon
Dear Schwantz family, Mrs Opal was a very special person to the Cunningham family. Mrs Ida just loved her and they had a special friendship. We all thought she was so kind and thoughtful.
I extend my heartfelt sympathy at the loss of Opal to her entire family. She lives on in her wonderful family!
Sending love, Marcia Cunningham
So sorry for y'all's loss
I am so sorry to hear about Opal. What a wonderful lady she was. Prayers for all her loved ones.
I'm so sorry for your loss praying that God will give you strength and comfort.
It was a pleasure working with Ms.Opal I will never forget her beautiful smile. RIP
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Ms. Schwantz. She will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time.
To the Schwantz family
We are sorry for the loss of your sweet Momma....I know each of you have precious memories to cherish. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
She was a sweet lady! She will be missed by everyone that was blessed to have her in their life. My prayers for everyone! Love, Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Oh my goodness, so sorry to read this. I adored this lady! God bless this big, beautiful family as they mourn the loss of such a fine, fine person.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. Prayers for you all for the your loss of you Mom.
Opal and I became friends through our daughters, Jean and Paula.
Opal was a very special person who was very caring of most everyone she met.
I admired her very much.
To her children I am so very sorry to hear of her passing but heaven needed another angel.
Ms Opal was a kind and welcoming woman! She had a lovely smile! I am so very sorry for the loss. Peace and comfort to the entire family, especially to my brother in law, Hershell.
We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She will truly be missed and Mrs. Opal was a great lady ! May our LORD hold ya’ll tight during this sad time and bless each one of you !!
Mary Kay and Schwantz family:
I am so sorry to see the loss of your sweet Mother. You are each in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you.
To the Schwantz family - Me and Dan are so sorry to hear about Ms. Schwantz. May the Lord be with each and everyone one of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
To the Schwantz family, I am so sorry to hear about Ms. Opal. She was so very sweet and a lot of fun to be around. You all are in my prayers