Opal G. Stanford

Opal G. Stanford went to her heavenly home on December 1, 2024. Born to Howard S. and Sylvie G. Hickman McCoy on October 5, 1927, in Silver Township, Cherokee County Iowa.

A child of the great depression and the second world war, she graduated from Quimby, Iowa high school in 1945. She went to work for the Chamber of Commerce in Cherokee, Iowa and used her secretarial skills throughout the rest of her life.  

She met her husband Malcolm (Mike) Stanford on a blind date set up by her cousin. They were married in 1947 while he was attending Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. After Mike’s graduation from college, they made their home in Larrabee, Iowa, later in Paullina, Iowa and most of their lives in Humboldt, Iowa. 

Opal loved to prepare the bulletins for the Methodist church and did so for over 35 years. She was a member of the Red Hat club for many years as well. She also helped organizing events with the American Cancer Society. Opal was very religious and loved children, family, friends, her neighbors, and the community.  

Opal’s proudest professional achievement in her life was being able to work with young children in preschool as a preschool helper. It was her hope that with her teaching and influence that they would turn out to be good citizens in the future. 

She is survived by her two sons, Steve Stanford of Humboldt, Iowa, and Terry (Erin) Stanford of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Three grandsons Michael Stanford of Waterloo, Iowa, Alex (Madeleine) Stanford of Krum, Texas, and Andrew Stanford of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Also, survived by her brother-in-law Duane (Sharon) Stanford of Mt. Dora, Florida. Opal was survived by many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her Husband Malcolm Stanford, Howard and Sylvie McCoy, her sister, Bonnie and brother Howard (Shirley). 

Graveside Services will be held in the summer of 2025 at the Cedar Township Cemetery in Larrabee, Iowa. It was Opal’s request for no formal funeral service. Please remember Opal in your own special way. Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service of Humboldt is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers please send all honorariums to Elderbridge.org (Mason City office) or The American Cancer Society. www.masonlindhart.com