Opal A. Whiteside, 87, of Big Spring, formerly of Rankin, died on Monday, March 10, 2008, in a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, March 14, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church of Rankin with Rev. Jennifer Kelley, pastor, officiating. Interment will be Monday, March 17, 2008, at 1:00 PM at Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska.She was born on October 10, 1920, in Plymouth, Nebraska and married Kenneth Howard Whiteside on May 11, 1941 in Beatrice, Nebraska. He preceded her in death on March 17, 1988.She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rankin. She was active in church work, the Garden Club, a program for the needy known as "A hand up for Rankin", and has served as secretary to the Women's Society for many years. Opal had been an Avon representative in Rankin for 50 years. She had received many exclusive awards for sales during that time.Survivors include three sons, Kirk Whiteside and wife, Jean of Novato, California, Keith Whiteside and wife, Debbie of Big Spring, and Larry Whiteside of Durango, Colorado; one sister, Darlene Rehm and husband, Dale of Plymouth, Nebraska; two brothers, Wayne Meirath of Raytown, Missouri and Donald Meirath of Grand Island, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Judith Meirath and two brothers, Marvin Meirath and Reiferd Meirath. The familiy request no flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 512, Rankin, Texas 79778.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,