Opal Faye Rhodes Nusko, age 87, of Hot Springs, died early Monday morning, March 17, 2008 at her home. She was born in Hot Spring County, Arkansas on April 5, 1920 to the late Lloyd and Lela Williams Rhodes. Reared and receiving her early education in Malvern and graduating from Malvern High School, she attended college for a time in Shreveport, Louisiana, and later graduated from business school in Texas. During her early career, Opal served as secretary to the supervisor at Reynolds Metals Company. She was the widow of the late Bernard N. Nusko, Sr. to whom she was married on November 15, 1943. Most of her working life was spent by the side of her husband, who for 42 years was an agent for State Farm Insurance Company in Hot Springs. She retired from the agency in 1990. Mr. Nusko died on February 7, 2002. Opal also reared three children, all of whom preceded her in death. They were: Bernard N. Nusko, Jr., Elizabeth Ann Nusko, and Charles Lloyd "Sonny" Nusko. She and her late husband helped to organize, and through the years, supported the First Step School and Abilities Unlimited, Inc. Having a child that utilized and thrived from the existence of these facilities gave Opal a focus that helped to minimize a lot of life's sorrows.

Opal was a member of First Baptist Church in Hot Springs and had been active in many civic organizations.

Her survivors include cousins, Glenville Rhodes, Opal Sue Cox, Milrene Tackett, Glendene Clark, Linda Chandler, Barbara Draper, and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Her funeral will be held at ten o'clock Thursday morning, March 20, 2008, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverend J. Wayne Clark officiating. Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Wednesday afternoon from five until 6:30.

Memorials are requested to Abilities Unlimited, Inc. Hwy 227 North, Hot Springs 71913.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.