Freeville

Beatrice D. Oplinger Lower, “Aunt Beattie”, age 82, of Freeville, passed away at home on December 1, 2010.

Born May 11, 1928, in Ithaca, she was the daughter of the late Harold B. and Florence (Bowers) Ellis.  A lifelong resident of the Lansing/Dryden area, Beatrice grew up and attended school in Ludlowville.  In 1945 she was married to the late Floyd W. Oplinger, who passed away in 1981.  After raising two children and retiring from Cornell University, she and Floyd traveled throughout the U.S. with their fifth wheel RV, visiting many interesting areas and making friends along the way. 

Her main priority in life was always family.  She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

Beatrice was a member of the Freeville United Methodist Church and the Lansing Fire Auxiliary.  She also enjoyed numerous Senior Citizens trips and activities with her friends.  She loved being on the go and was blessed with a very active social life.

In addition to her parents and first husband, Beatrice was preceded in death by her second husband, Henry Lower, Jr., a sister, Ruby Newhart and a brother, Robert Ellis.

She is survived by her son, Floyd “Chip” (Richelle) Oplinger of Harrisburg, NC; daughter, Vicki Totman (Frank Szary) of Freeville, NY; grandchildren, Steven (Teresa) Oplinger, Debbie (Scott) Steiner, Dale (Heather) Oplinger, Kristie Oplinger, Jeffrey (Beth) Oplinger, Matthew Hoag, and Tonia Lieber (Ricky Landon); several great and great great grandchildren.  Beatrice is also survived by her siblings, Richard (Jane) Ellis, Charles (Barb) Ellis, Ronald (Laura) Ellis, David (Betty) Ellis, Judy (Eddie) Parker, Joan (Alan) Tuttle, Joyce (Frank) Griep, Flossie Pesu and Stanley Ellis; sisters-in-law, Betty Ellis, Beatrice Lower; a large extended family; and her many friends at Lehigh Crossing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Beatrice’s memory to Tompkins County SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Family will be present to receive friends at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY, on Saturday, December 4^th from 10 – 11 am.  A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Dale Austin, will begin at 11 am, followed by burial at North Lansing Cemetery.