Corrine Opel, 80, formerly of Bay City, Michigan, died peacefully in her sleep on September 14, 2016, at her home in Sandy, Utah.

Born October 29, 1935, in Morrison, Tennessee, Corrine is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Ozella (Grissom) Hillis; her sister Thelma Rigsby; three brothers, Escle, Noys, and Elmo Hillis; and two infant siblings, Hellen and Richard, Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Edgar; daughters Elizabeth and Susan of Midvale, Utah; son Paul of Baldwinsville, New York; son Kurt (Anna) and grandsons David and Jonathan of Pleasant Ridge, Michigan; sisters Sylva Hildebrandt, Eva Hillis, and Judy Hillis; brother-in-law Warren (Lois) Opel; and many nieces and nephews.

When Corrine was very young, her family moved to Detroit, where she lived until her marriage to Ed on August 9, 1958. When St. John Lutheran School Amelith called Ed to be a teacher, Corrine was part of the package—and what an asset to his ministry she was! She added her soprano voice to the St. John senior choir, served on many boards and committees, and—perhaps most notably—helped found the congregation’s Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) chapter.

In the LWML, Corrine held district, zone, and international offices; organized retreats; wrote and led songs, devotions, and workshops; performed skits; and coordinated conventions. She cherished the lifelong friends she made in this wonderful organization.

Later, Corrine loved to be a greeter at St. John, giving out sunny smiles and her famous hugs.

Corrine and Edgar moved to Sandy, Utah, in December 2015, in order to enable their daughters to help care for them.

Corrine cherished her family, often planning or initiating reunions, vacations, and get-togethers. She hosted Picture of the Day for years, sending out daily photos and memories to an extensive list of relatives around the country. She enthusiastically supported her beloved Detroit Tigers—she and Ed even choreographed a “victory dance” they performed after every Tiger win. She nourished all who knew her with her love, wit, positivity, and faith.

The family will receive visitors at St. John Lutheran Church, 1664 Amelith Road, Bay City, Michigan, on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, from 3–5 and 7–9 p.m. and for one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be held at St. John on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Starke officiating.  Committal to take place at St John Cemetery.

Corrine was an active supporter of many Lutheran organizations and institutions. If you desire to make a memorial in her name, please consider the following:
St. John Lutheran Church and School Amelith—Bay City, Michigan
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Concordia Learning Center—Riverton, Utah
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League—St. Louis, Missouri
Valley Lutheran High School—Saginaw, Michigan
Concordia University—Ann Arbor, Michigan

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