Opal L. Hays, age 92, of Bradenton, Florida and formerly of Fremont, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2009, at Blake Medical Center in Florida. Opal was born on July 25, 1916, in Coshocton, Ohio to George and Barbara (Strouse) Taylor and married Reese Laughlin on October 16, 1934, in Ohio. She later married William E. Hays on September 20, 1975, in Fremont at the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ. Opal was an administrative assistant for the Department of Transportation in Ohio, and member of the Anna Maria Garden Club, Womens Federated Club of Anna Maria, and Central Christian Church in Bradenton. Opal is survived by her children: Gerald (Kay) Laughlin of Bay Village, OH, Janet (Jer) Harper of Fort Worth, TX, Diane (Lloyd) Tulp of Fairview, NJ; stepchildren: Richard (Susan) Hays of Fountain, MI, Lawrence (Marcella) Hays of N. Canton, OH, Lorna (Carl) Montgomery of Bradenton, FL, Carol (Robert) Gerbel of St. Joseph, MI, Susan (Russ) Surbrook of Fairfield Glade, TN, and Sandra (William) DeBruyn of Grand Rapids, MI; brother, Forest Wayne (Audrey) Taylor of Davenport, FL; sister, June Watts of Millersburg, OH; 6 grandchildren and 16 step grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and 36 step great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Reese in 1972 and sister Rose Hawkins. Her name was Opal and she was truly a gem. Our family has lost a very special person in our lives; she had a warm heart, beautiful smile and love enough for each and every one of us. Memorial services will be announced at a later time. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel.