Opal Warden

Opal Warden, born August 21, 1959, in Kansas City, Kansas, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved daughter of Ruth “Sally” Avery and Harold Rushing. She accepted Christ as her Savior by believing in His death, blood, and resurrection for the forgiveness of her sins at an early age. 

Opal grew up with a bright spirit and a kind heart. She graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas, where she served as vice president of her class. Throughout her life, Opal was known for her warm, cheerful personality and her unwavering dedication as a mother, wife, sister, and friend.

She took pride in being the homemaker of her family. Opal loved to read and garden, and she thoughtfully reviewed movies and shows with her son, James, as they walked the family dogs. She also had a deep love of travel. With her sister, Fran Cotton, she explored England, China, Mexico, Jamaica, and Niagara Falls. She cherished her adventures with her daughter, Mariah—riding ATVs in California, strolling the beaches of South Padre Island, visiting Area 51 in Arizona, sharing trips to Universal Studios, and bonding over their mutual love for cats.

Opal also traveled with her husband to New York to see Broadway plays, visited Washington, D.C., and enjoyed family vacations to Atlanta, Florida, Indianapolis, and the Grand Canyon. One of her most meaningful journeys was her trip to Israel in 2023.

Opal is survived by her husband, James Warden, Jr.; her son, James Warden III of Richardson, Texas; her daughter and son-in-law, Mariah and Daniel Cabrera of Mérida, Mexico; her brother, Emery Estelle of Dallas, Texas; and her sister, Fran Cotton of Chatsworth, California.

Opal’s kindness, joy, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.  She was "a virtuous woman, whose price is far above rubies. Her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband doth praise her. Many have done excellently, but thou hath excelled them all. Let her own works praise her." ~ Proverbs 31

All are encouraged to join us on this memorial page at 11:00 AM on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025, as we celebrate the life of our beloved Opal.

Service of Celebration for Opal Warden

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Opal Warden, please visit our floral store.