Opal Irene Gahimer

Opal “Da” Irene Gahimer, 97, of Blue Ridge, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at her residence. She was born June 6, 1920, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Melvin and Delphia (Mullen) Sconn. On February 17, 1940, she married Basil Forrest “Bake” Gahimer, and he preceded her in death on February 3, 1990. Opal is survived by her daughters, Joan Gahimer of Greenwood, and Janice Heiden of Blue Ridge; her grandsons, whom were the love of her life, Joshua Sconn and Courtney Heiden, and Zachary Allen Heiden and Leilani Sebolboro; and great-grandchildren, Finn Steven Heiden, Arlo Basil Heiden and Julius Jahobe Heiden. She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Eulalia “Sue” Gahimer; and brother-in-law, Leonidas George “Ike” Gahimer. Opal graduated from Waldron High School in 1938. She was a member of the Blue Ridge Christian Union Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Aide Society. Opal was a nurse’s aide at Major Hospital in Shelbyville for numerous years. She enjoyed reading, her flower gardens and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Opal and Bake were members of the IU Varsity Club, they were avid IU basketball and football fans, being season ticketholders for over 40 years. She and her husband were wonderful hostesses and was always eager to cook steaks on the grill and entertain their family and friends around their swimming pool. Opal loved animals and also leaves behind her cat, Mia. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the funeral home, with Rev. Dennis Hirschauer officiating. Interment will be at Blue Ridge Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Opal’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.