Opal B. Flake, 68, of Mancelona, died Saturday, July 14, 1990 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. She was born on June 10, 1922 in Carter County, Kentucky to Thomas and Lillie (Fultz) Sparks. In 1937, Mrs. Flake moved to Mancelona from Olive Hill, Kentucky, and had been employed at Avery's Restaurant, Shanty Creek, Schuss Mountain, and Vivian's Restaurant. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, and birds.
Surviving are three sons, Lester Flake, Lonnie Flake, and James Flake, all of Mancelona; three daughters, Pauline Hammond, Sandra Groner, and Lisa Abbey, all of Kalkaska.
Also surviving are three brothers, Chester Sparks of Grahn, Kentucky, George Sparks of Bellaire, and Bill Sparks of Hopkins; two sisters, Delphina Trowbridge of Bellaire and Hazel Bliss of Mesick; 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were one sister, Sarah Rice and one grandson, Corey Groner.
Funeral services were held at Wolfe Funeral Home, Kalkaska, Tuesday, July 17, 1990. Rev. Willard Bontrager, pastor of the Coldsprings Mennonite Church officiated. Burial was at Coldsprings Township Cemetery in Kalkaska County.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Traverse City Dialysis Center or the Kidney Foundation.
