Opal Fay Dauenhauer

Opal Fay Dauenhauer, of Waterford, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born on August 5, 1926, in Dawes, West Virginia, to the late Johnathan Burton and Oddie Smith (née Rowh). Though small in stature, she was tough, resourceful, and always full of love. Her early life taught her the value of hard work, resilience, and family—values she carried with her throughout her life. She met and married the love of her life, Thomas Bernard Dauenhauer, who had just returned from proudly serving in the U.S. Army. Together, they raised seven children, instilling in them the life skills they needed to become well-rounded, successful individuals. In the Dauenhauer household, everyone learned how to cook and take care of the home. Life wasn’t always easy, but Opal’s strong character, humor, and grace helped her persevere. She loved reading V.C. Andrews books in her free time and had an “open-door” policy—welcoming friends, neighbors, and anyone in need with warmth and kindness. After raising her children, Opal worked part-time at the local country club with her dear friend and neighbor. The two were affectionately known as “The Salad Girls.” She was also athletically gifted—an avid volleyball player in her younger years and an exceptional bowler. She bowled in leagues with a 163 average and got to enjoy the game with her children and loved watching (and later listening to) Celebrity Bowling. More than anything, Opal adored her family especially her grandchildren. Her peanut butter fudge and potato salad were staples at family gatherings and will be deeply missed. 

Opal is survived by her children: Raymond Lee Smith and his wife Ruth Ann, Terri Kay Baylor and her husband George, Geraldine Louise Zagurney and her husband Tony, Michael Eugene Dauenhauer and his wife Jill, Lou Ann Dauenhauer, and Roberta Jean Dauenhauer and Jean Lamberson a very dear family friend (she thought of as a daughter). She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, including Karen Ann Jones and her husband Paul, Raymond Arthur Smith and his wife Judy, Debra Smith, Robert Fisher and his wife Cheryl, Christina Sutton and her husband Todd, Craig Campbell and his wife Carrie, Samuel Rains III, Jonathan Rains and his fiancé Tiffany, Stefan Zagurney and his wife Casey, Tony Pizzo, Angela Dauenhauer, Robert Dauenhauer, and Wendy Tottingham, Amy Calvin and her husband Lee, Ernest Watson III and his wife Angela. She is also survived by her stepsister Mary Ann Landess, daughter-in-law Cindy Dauenhauer, and granddaughter-in-law Carrie Smith. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Thomas Bernard Dauenhauer, her son Duane Charles Dauenhauer, grandchildren Christopher Dauenhauer, Timothy Smith, Kevin Pizzo, and her son-in-law Terry Maynard. Siblings: Lawrence Smith and his wife Mary Jane, Laurie Koon and her husband Kenny, Goldie Morris and her husband Wayne, Betty Ball, Shirley Jones.

Family will receive guests on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Coats Funeral Home – Waterford, located at 3141 Sashabaw Road, Waterford, MI. A committal service will follow on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Elwood Cemetery in Elwood, Indiana, with arrangements handled by Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Opal’s kindness, strength, and love will live on through her family and all who had the privilege to know her. 

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