Opal Fernne Walle, 95, of Salina, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Dec. 12, 2018, at Presbyterian Manor, Salina. She was born June 6, 1923, in Humansville, Mo. to Ernest Hull and Anne Ellen (Morgan) Tallman.
The family moved to Culver, Kan., shortly thereafter. Sadly, when Fernne was 13 her father passed away at the height of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. This difficult time allowed mother and daughter to develop exceptional grace, patience, and fortitude for which Fernne became well known. In 1939 she began dating her high school sweetheart, Herbert, and they married in May of 1942. From this union came four children who they provided wonderful love and care for on the family farm. In addition to the role of a farm wife and mother, Fernne supplemented the family income working in Salina at Gibson’s and J.C. Penny’s. Although a very private person, her amazing wit and sense of humor was a great source of entertainment and amusement for all family and friends, leaving behind a great collection of warm memories and ‘one liners’. Her kind and tender heart will be missed, but made a lasting mark on all who knew her.
She is survived by: daughter, Sandra Cristina (Lyle); sons, Steven (Leila) and Sheldon (Danette); 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding Fernne in death were: her husband, Herbert; and daughter, Sharon Johnson (Walle).
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, followed by burial in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Memorials to: Walnut Grove Cemetery, or the Fernne Walle Memorial which will be directed to the memory care unit at Salina Presbyterian Manor, in care of Ryan Mortuary.
Online condolences: www.ryanmortuary.com.