Opal Huber

Opal Huber passed away peacefully on July 29th, 2025, at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia after a long battle with dementia. Opal was born Opal Sample on October 18th, 1933, to Roy and Clara (Orman) Sample in Blakesburg, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Wayne, Glen, and Albert, her sister Mary Prose, and Ralph Henry and Iva Irene in infancy, and her beloved husband, Kenneth (Kenny) Kasper Huber. Opal graduated from Albia High School in 1951. She was incredibly bright, graduating from school a year early. She and Kenny were married on June 15th, 1952, from then on Ken and Opal were always together, spending 68 love filled years side by side. Some of their first dates included hunting rats, fishing for frogs, and dancing. Opal went with Kenneth when he was drafted into the Army in 1953. They lived on the Fort Hood base together in Texas for two years. While in Texas, Opal had her first son, Jim (Conni) Huber. After returning to Albia, she had two more children, Kimberly (Dave) Garret, and Bill (Jackie) Huber. While raising her family, Opal was a homemaker, as well as the glue holding the Huber Farm and Saddle shop together. Kenny described Opal as the best farmhand he ever had, and the most important part of the Huber Saddle Shop operation. She was a server at Hardee’s, and for many years was a meter reader for the REC. While at the REC she and Kenny would drive to meters together, and they enjoyed getting to see and catch up with her friends, as well as spreading smiles to everyone on their route. She was still stacking hay behind the bailer at 70. Her home was a shrine to her children and grandchildren, Rose Huber, Ivy Huber, Willow Huber, Jamie (Jeff) Swan, Mel Tisue, Justin (Trina) Huber, and Cody (Shayla) Huber, and her great-grandchildren, Drake, Meredith Opal, Leroy, Wacey, Colt, Jett, and Woody, as well as her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Photos, awards, and artwork filled every wall, she was always so proud of her family. From rodeos, to football and softball games, to dance recitals, she was her family’s ultimate cheerleader. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and was very active in the Albia First Christian Church, shining as a skilled and enthusiastic leader of the kitchen. Her family will miss her spunk, cooking, and endless love, but are taking comfort in the fact that her mind is clear, and her hands are once again being held by Kenny. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Opal’s family present throughout to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Albia, with Pastor Lynda Carlson officiating. Burial will follow services at Selection Cemetery in Monroe County. Memorials have been established to the First Christian Church in Albia, Selection Cemetery, or to the family.

Opal Huber

October 18, 1933 - July 29, 2025