Opal Hatch Cuave

Opal Hatch Cuave of Snowflake, Arizona was born in Taylor, Arizona on August 9, 1932 and after a lengthy illness passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at Sierra Blanca Care Center in Lakeside, Arizona on November 30, 2010. She was 78 years old. She was one of 11 children born to the late W.R. & Gertrude Hatch of Taylor, Arizona. She was a graduate of Snowflake High School and loved sports so much that she signed a contract to play for Arizona's first professional woman's softball team but instead married Albert Gale Cuave on April 23, 1951. She owned and operated Bob's Western Wear in Taylor for 3 years prior to moving to Snowflake where she was a prominent business owner of Al's Western Wear for 18 years. She employed several family members and very close friends who were an asset to her successful business. She had a special touch for making sure her customers were treated like family. Opal was very patriotic and especially enjoyed July Fourth celebrations of parades, rodeos and family traditions. She had a great love and appreciation for music and enjoyed singing, playing the organ & harmonica. Opal was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed. She is survived by her four children, Rusty Cuave of Vernon, Jane Desiree Penson of Mesa, Gayla Cox of Lakeside, and Alayna (Brian ) Neff of Taylor; extended family Perry Sanchez of Vernon, and Susan Brown or Mesa. Six grandchildren: Michael Penson, Angela Penson, and Robert Penson all of Mesa, Rachel Cox of Tucson, J.C. and Garrett Neff of Taylor; one great grandson, Jameson Penson of Mesa and she is also survived by a very dear sister, Shelia (Roy) Hall, brother-in-law, Leonard Hunt, and sister-in-law, Louise Hatch all of Taylor, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her husband Al Cuave; family members: Gertrude (Joe) Rogers, Bernice (Speed) Larson, Jay (Louise) Hatch, C.R (Fenla) Hatch, Jewel (Herb) Rogers, Jerry (Reece) McCleve, Helene Hunt, Richard Hatch,, and a baby brother, Willard Hatch, who died at birth. A funeral service will be held at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona on Monday December 6th at 11am with burial to follow at the Reed S. Hatch Memorial Cemetery in Taylor, Arizona. Opal's family wishes to express gratitude for all the love and compassion that has been shown to her and her family. Memorial contributions in Opal's name to: The White Mountain Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1975, Lakesid, Arizona 85929 have beens suggested by her family. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign our online guest book, we invite you to visit our website at www.owenslivingstonmortuary.