Opal Jean Short, 90, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Oakview Nursing and Rehab. She was born on February 12,1934, in Wabash County, Illinois, the daughter of Simon Peter Keppel and Ethel H. (Dix) Keppel. She married Joye R. Short on June 23, 1950, and they were blessed with forty-five years of marriage until his passing on January 31, 1995.

In her younger years, Opal was employed as a telephone operator and then at the clothing factory. In her spare time, she enjoyed being outdoors, taking care of her flower beds and feeding the birds and cats. Opal enjoyed researching genealogy. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Opal was a caring person and will be missed by her family and friends.

Opal leaves behind two sons, Mark Short of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Scott Short and wife Lynn of Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Amber, Ariel, Amanda, Holly, Katrina, James and Marlyna; fourteen great-grandchildren, several loved nieces and nephews.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Joye; sister, Ruby Collins; three nephews, Gary, Dennis and Donnie Collins.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery where Opal will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Joye.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Opal’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Short family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com