OPAL MAE FAULKNER FRENCH, 85, of Bentonville, died on June 29, 2006, in Bentonville. She was born on Feb. 24, 1921, in Wellington, Kan., to Allen Frederick Faulkner and Cecile Mae Oliver Faulkner.

In 1940, Opal married Chauncey Dale French. Opal and Dale made their home in Alva, Okla., where they raised two daughters, Alice and Carol. Following Dale's death in 1999, Opal moved to Eureka Springs to be near her daughters and their husbands, her grandsons and her great-grandson.

Opal was a leader in the Alva Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star for many years. She was an avid scholar of genealogy and completed a book detailing the history of her husband's family.

Opal is survived by her daughter, Alice French, and son-in-law Richard Weaver; daughter Carol Martin and son-in-law Henry Martin; two grandsons, and a great-grandson; brother Arthur Faulkner and wife Barbara; three sisters and their husbands, Faye and Henry Parsons, Nellie and Elmer Rhodes, Linda and Frank Garner; sister-in-law Maureen Faulkner; many nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives and friends. Opal was preceded in death by her husband and parents; sister Lola; and brother Allen Edward.

A memorial service for Opal will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2006, at the Masonic Lodge in Alva, Okla., followed by interment at the Alva Municipal Cemetery. Immediately following the service, friends and family are invited to gather at the Masonic Lodge.

Arrangements were by Rollins Funeral Home, Rogers. Online tributes may be made at www.rollingsfuneral.com.