Hutoka Alice Opdycke, 94, of rural Fayette, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, from the Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania, OH. Born April 2, 1924, in Woodburn, IN, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Esther (Zimmerman) Gerig.
Hutoka lived her formative years in Woodburn, IN, and later West Unity, OH, where she graduated from high school with the Class of 1942. She became a wife that same year, on May 31, 1942, to the love of her life, Floyd Emerson Opdycke. They were blessed with over 71 years of happy marriage until his death on January 6, 2014.
A proud farmer’s wife, Hutoka handled with loving care the demands of the household as well as raised her and Floyd’s seven children. She was a member of the Mother of Twins Club, Franklin Friendly Folks, and the Red Hat Society. An avid traveler, she visited nearly every state and accompanied Floyd on numerous fishing and hunting trips each year. She enjoyed quilting and crocheting, playing cards, and especially delighted in hosting family gatherings.
Left to honor her legacy are her seven children, James Wayne Opdycke of Archbold, OH, Lee Waldo (Marilyn) Opdycke of Fayette, Larry Ray Opdycke of Fairbanks, AK, Donald Floyd (Joan) Opdycke of Alvordton, OH, Ella Marie Lichtenwald of Archbold, Connie Sue (Ken) Wagner of Fayette, and Lyle Lynn “Butch” (Linda) Opdycke of Fayette; a sister, Velma Albert of Paulding, OH; 21 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and twelve great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Hutoka was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and Lloyd Gerig; a sister, Fern Merillat; a grandson, Chris Opdycke; granddaughter, Belinda Opdycke; and a son-in-law, Allan Lichtenwald.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, October 7, 2018, from 1-7 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home in Fayette. A funeral service for Hutoka will be held Monday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m.at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Bandy officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Union Cemetery in Fayette.
Memorial contributions in honor of Hutoka are suggested to Sunshine Foundation, Fulton County Special Olympics, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Friends can share memories and words of comfort with the family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
