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On June 8, 1912, a little girl named Opal was born to Jessie and Della Ratliff at the home of the little girl’s Grandma Moss near Lone Grove. As one of eleven children in this family, Opal learned the meaning and rewards of honest, hard work to help make ends meet.

At the age of 20, Opal married Dea Holland. Opal worked out of their home for many years and eventually both she and Dea retired. Dea passed away in 1987, and Opal continued to live in their home and do the work of gardening, tending to and selling a few sheep, and taking in alterations after working for Bill Walker Cleaners in Llano for 35 years doing alterations. Everyone knows Opal for her good humor, fine wit, and young-at-heart outlook on life.

Opal is a generous “taxi driver” for those not able to drive themselves and is active in her church, the First Baptist Church of Llano. Her very greatest joy comes from spending time with family. Opal’s son J.B. Holland and his wife Jackie hosted Opal’s 97th birthday party last week with 21 local family members to celebrate their very own family treasure.