Opal L. Eddelman

Opal Louise Doles Barkes Eddelman, born on May 11, 1927, in Letts, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, in Columbus, Indiana, at the age of 98 years and 349 days. The youngest of six children born to John R. and Clara (Clark) Doles, Opal entered the world on Mother’s Day, a cherished addition to her family and special gift to her mother. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Letts, Indiana where she developed a lifelong connection to her home and fondly recalled playing in the attic that served as her personal playroom.

A graduate of Columbus High School in 1946, Opal began her career at Arvins in Columbus and later completed a program at Indiana Business College in 1966 while raising her two children. She worked as a secretary for the Diesel Workers Union until her retirement in 1983 always balancing her professional life with her unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

Opal’s musical talents were evident from an early age. She began taking piano lessons at five and started playing for church services at sixteen. For nearly fifty years, she served as a pianist and organist at East Columbus United Methodist Church (ECUMC), sharing her gift of music with countless congregants. Her ministry extended beyond Sunday services; she played for weddings and for funerals at Reed & Jewel Funeral Home. In 1968, Opal accompanied the “Come Alive Singers,” a teenage choir group from ECUMC that recorded two albums in Nashville and inspired many through their uplifting performances. Later in life, she spent many years on a regular schedule of playing at nursing homes throughout Columbus, where she affectionately referred to residents as her “old people” even though many were much younger than herself!

Opal married Albert Gene Barkes on May 6, 1950, and together they had two children: Donita (John) Goddard and Michael (Dana) Barkes. Their time together was cut very short as Albert tragically passed in 1957. Opal later found love again with Jim Eddelman; they married in 1980 and shared many joyful years traveling, wintering in
Zephyrhills, Florida and enjoying each other until his death in 2004. Opal loved Jim’s children Sherry and Mike; and grandchildren Lori, Pete and Seth; and great-grandchildren very much and always considered them her own family.

She was a proud grandmother to John (Kate) Goddard, Dannyelle (Mack) Justice, Benjamin (Amanda) Barkes, and Brian Barkes (predeceased). Her legacy continued through ten great-grandchildren: Mack, Chase, Luke and Lilly Justice; Elise Goddard and Charlotte and Jackson Lewis; Elijah, Emma, and Ella Barkes. The love and faith she instilled in her family will be carried forward by all who knew her.

In addition to music and family life, Opal was known for her creativity and industriousness. She sewed clothing for herself and her children and lovingly crafted quilts for each of her descendants—a testament to her thoughtfulness and dedication. Her home was always warm and inviting; her children well remember puzzles often on a square card table with orange slices often nearby! Even into her nineties, Opal maintained an active lifestyle—driving until age 95—and enjoyed traveling with her best friend Shirley Walls after Jim’s passing.

Faith was a cornerstone of Opal’s life. She dedicated nearly five decades to East Columbus United Methodist Church before later worshipping at Berean Bible Church and Bible Church of Columbus. Her kindness and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.

Opal was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John R. and Clara (Clark) Doles; her first husband, Albert Barkes, her second husband, Jim Eddelman; her five siblings, Russell (Ellen) Doles, Hershel (Ruth) Doles, Vern (Pauline) Doles, Hazel (Dutch) Houpey, and Florence (Foren) Binford; her grandson, Brian Michael Barkes; her stepson, Michael Dale (Sandy) Eddelman; and her dearest lifelong friend, Shirley Walls, who was called home in 2016. Though her heart knew much grief and loss throughout her long life, Opal carried each of these souls with her always, and she is now reunited with them in the presence of the Lord she served so faithfully.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bible Church of Columbus located at 3010 Tenth Street in Columbus, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at noon at the same location. Interment will take place immediately afterward at Garland Brook Cemetery located at 501 N. Gladstone Avenue in Columbus.

Memorial contributions may be made in Opal’s honor to the Bible Church of Columbus or the American Diabetes Association.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

May Opal’s memory serve as a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory.