Opal Irene Browning

Opal Irene Browning, 93, of Kingsley, formerly of Saginaw, passed away on June 13, 2013. Mrs. Browning was born on August 12, 1919, in Lennon, MI to the late George and Anna (Perry) Brackett. They moved to Saginaw in 1924; along with her siblings: Elliott, Helen, and Lavern all of whom have preceded her in death. Opal lived a very active life, her goal in life was volunteer work. Serving for 44 years in Mitten Bay Girl Scouts as a Leader, plus teaching new leaders, out of door, flag ceremonies, and having charge of all eastside cookie sales. She was only the second person to receive the highest Girl Scout award in Saginaw, the Thank You Badge. Opal taught swimming from 1961 until 1982 when Mr. Browning retired. She was also a summer camp director several times in the area. Her love of bowling remained throughout her life, playing until the age of 90. Opal received several honors in bowling; she bowled in the 600 club, was inducted in both the Saginaw Bowling Hall of Fame and the International Hall of Fame, she was the President for the Saginaw Women’s Bowling Association for six years and then became a director. She lived and loved life to the fullest. During WWII she trained to be an area block warden. Opal married her husband Harold F. Browning on February 12, 1938, and of this union had a daughter, who was the joy of her life; Barbra Jo (Robert) Voice, who was blessed with 6 children: Tracy Lynn Thon (deceased); Jeffery (Ruth) Thon and their children Jake and Emily all of Midland, Texas; Patrick (Julia) Thon and their children Rachael and Abbie all of Cedar; Jeremy (Renee) Thon and their children Greg, of Grand Ledge, Tyler, a Marine stationed in Hawaii, and Hanna, Grace, and Ava of Kingsley with their parents; Ted Thon and his children Mitchell and Natalie all of Monroe; Shawna (Nick) Wicksall and their children Gabriel and Chloe all of Big Lake, MN; as well as 2 great great grandchildren. Opal enjoyed her 65 years of married life with Harold who preceded her in death. Visitation will be on Monday, June 17, from 5-8 p.m. at W.L. Case Funeral Home, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning one hour prior on Tuesday, June 18 at W. L. Case Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Browning requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Munson Hospice of Traverse City or Treasure Time Assisted Living in Traverse City. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services and W.L. Case Funeral Home.

Opal Irene Browning

August 12, 1919 - June 13, 2013