Ella Sue Opela's Obituary
Ella Sue Opela of Oklahoma City, OK, passed from this earth on October 17, 2024 in Oklahoma City, OK. She was born on October 23rd, 1937, in Ponca City, OK, to George and Cora Carter. Three years later, her father passed away and Cora moved with her three children: Ella Sue, Maryann, and Jimmy, to Prague, OK. Ella Sue attended Prague High School where she played basketball, and was the drum majorette. After graduating in 1955, she married her loving husband, Robert Opela, December 31st that same year. Just a month later, Robert was drafted into the military and the two of them moved to Hawaii where he was stationed. While there, the happy couple experienced many great adventures and gave birth to their son, Randall Opela. They eventually moved back to Oklahoma where their daughter Victoria was born. They raised their family in Inola, OK, where she was a homemaker, manicurist and beautician. They were also very active in the Methodist Church and in the community.
At 37 years, Ella Sue willfully started a bold new journey and was sworn in to the Oklahoma Air National Guard by her husband, then Major Opela, and went to Lackland AirForce Basic Training. In 1975, upon completing basic, she returned to have a successful 22 ½ year career with the 138th Tactical Fighting Group in Tulsa, OK. To her, serving in the military was one of her crowning achievements. Ella Sue and Robert retired to Mission, TX, and eventually moved back to Oklahoma.
Ella Sue was a strong person. She loved to work hard. Even after retirement, she showed up to EVERY need her family had...from children to great grandchildren whether it be moving households, holding babies, cleaning closets, or making sure everyone was protected from germs and the vapors. She and Robert lived a true love story, devoted to each other and their family and were forever partners in all they did. Near the end of her life, Ella Sue battled Parkinson's with the same perseverance and strength she had carried throughout her whole life.
Ella Sue is survived by her husband, Robert of the home in Oklahoma City. Her son, Randall of Roseburg, OR and daughter Viki McMillin of Yukon, OK. Grandsons, Mike and Dara McMillin of Yukon, OK, Adam and Jess McMillin of Salina, KS. Great grandchildren, Kiera McMillin of Sand Springs, OK, Easton, Elliana, Elijah and Kalden McMillin of Yukon, OK and Jaxon McMillin of Salina, KS. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents, George Carter and Cora Carter Cook, brother Jimmy Carter Sr, sister Maryann Kirby and son-in-law Mark McMillin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Autism Speaks.
Webcasting is available at the following link for those that cannot attend the service in person: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/105695/hash:D3890AB68A8600F6
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