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1921 - 2008
 Opal Conley - 1921-2008
Opal Skaggs Conley, 86, retired professor from the University of Kentucky, Ashland Community College and widow of J.P. Conley, died Friday, May 2, 2008.
The daughter of Dr. H.R. and Carrie Holbrook Skaggs, Mrs. Conley was born Dec. 29, 1921, in McRoberts, Letcher County. She was raised in Fleming until 1940, when her family moved to Ashland. Mrs. Conley was graduated from Sullins Academy in 1938, and earned an associate degree in science from Sullins College in 1940. She was graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1942, with a BS degree in science and in 1943, she earned a master of science degree in anatomy and physiology. She taught for the University of Kentucky for one year, where upon during the years 1944 through 1946, she completed all academic work for a Ph.D. degree at the University of Chicago. She was an active member of KAPPA Delta Sorority. She was married to J.P. Conley in 1946, and they had two children, Richard R. Conley and Jilson McClanahan. In 1958, Mrs. Conley began teaching at the University of Kentucky, Ashland center. She continued teaching at Ashland Community College until retirement at age 82. During her career, Mrs. Conley received several awards including The Great Teacher Award from the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, an award most meaningful because it came from the recommendation of former students. She received this award twice during her teaching career, in 1976 and again in 1988. Mrs. Conley was given the Ashland Community College Distinguished Service Award and received recognition by the International Conference on Teaching Excellence in 1988. She also served as the first Community College representative on the University of Kentucky Board Trustees in 1981 to 1984.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Ruth Withers of Georgetown and Hazel Bailey of Ashland.
She is also survived by her son, Richard and her daughter, Jilson and her husband, John McClanahan; and one grandson, Tre McClanahan. In addition, five nieces and nephews survive, John Bailey and Susie Williams of Ashland, Mike Bailey of Lexington, Tom Withers of Georgetown and Dr. Patricia Williams of Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Marshall Steen Funeral Home on 13th Street in Ashland.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at Marshall Steen Funeral Home, with the Rev. Lance Campbell officiating. Burial will be in Ashland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, 1000 St. Christopher Drive, Ashland, Ky. 41101.
Online condolences may be made to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.
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There are currently 17 condolences.
Diane Warren
Saturday April 11, 2009 at
3:26 PM
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I only just discovered Dr. Conley's obituary. I recognize that her family may never see my note, but I want to express my condolences. I knew Dr. Conley only through a paper that she wrote on the Indian Knoll dog skeletons in the 1940s. I used those dogs in my dissertation, and I read that paper many times (I'm looking at it right now, in fact, which is what made me wonder what had happened to the graduate student who did that analysis). It sounds as if Dr. Conley had a long and productive career. My thoughts are with her family.
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Henderson McGinnis
Wednesday May 21, 2008 at
8:18 PM
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I am so sorry to hear about this. If it were not for Mrs Conley I would not be where I am today. She was a very special person who truly made a positive and lasting impact on the people that she met.
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Mary Beth Reams
Friday May 16, 2008 at
9:04 AM
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Our deepest sympathies to the family of Mrs. Conley. You will never know how many of us have been influenced by this great woman. I will be forever grateful for her role in my lfe.
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Sen. Walter Blevins
wblevins@mrtc.com
Sunday May 11, 2008 at
11:34 AM
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My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. May God bless.
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L. Michael Fraley, MD
Thursday May 8, 2008 at
8:09 PM
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My condolences to her family. What a wonderful woman. She got me off to an excellent start, and I will never forget her.
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Lisa Pennington
Tuesday May 6, 2008 at
8:57 PM
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Ms. Conley was my physiology professor at ACC in 1990. She was a wonderful instructor and great mentor. I went on to the University of KY and completed the Physician Assistant Program(where by the way my graduate level physiology class was much less of a challenge due to what I had learned from her). I've practiced as a PA in this area for 13 years now. I know thousands of students have the same story and because of here we've been able to have meaningful careers that have allowed us to help other people. She has to be one of the most influential educators ever in this area.
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Ben Harmon
Tuesday May 6, 2008 at
11:50 AM
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Rick, please accept my sincerest condolences on Opal's passing. She was a great friend, educator and mentor. Prayers, Ben Harmon
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Sandy Gussler
Tuesday May 6, 2008 at
9:46 AM
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Rick and Jil, please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of your mother. Opal was such a wonderful woman who gave so much of herself to her students and colleagues. I have missed her since her retirement - and now will miss her even more. She has mentored so many of the medical professionals in our area that she has literally touched the lives of thousands. What a blessing she was to those of us who knew her - and to the community as a whole.
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Carol J Kirkland
Monday May 5, 2008 at
11:19 AM
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Rick Conley,
I extend my deepest sympathy in the passing of your mother. May the Lord comfort you during this time.
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Stephen Angela Casey & Lucas Mayo
Monday May 5, 2008 at
10:25 AM
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Sorry for your loss. Opal was a great person and a lot of fun to be around. We will miss her and will always remember her and what she did for me...from my paperboy days to helping me in Pharmacy School to those late night telescope gatherings.
Again our family is sorry about her passing and wish you well.
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Tracy Livingston
Monday May 5, 2008 at
10:23 AM
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Opal was not only a great teacher and mentor, but such a kind and sincere person. I feel truly blessed to have known her both personally and professionally. I credit her to my passion for biology and teaching. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
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Brian Taylor
Monday May 5, 2008 at
9:13 AM
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I can truely say, the world is a better place because Opal was a part of it. She impacted thousands of lives directly, myself included. These people continue to have a positive impact on peoples lives. I had Opal in class in 1992. To this day, I have frequent memories of her. My prayers are with you.
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Dr. and Mrs. Andy Moore
Monday May 5, 2008 at
8:43 AM
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She was truly a unique and very compassionate person with a wealth of information. She loved her students with all her heart-- and was willing to help them reach their goals. She will be missed very much!
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Ed & Hollie Steil
Monday May 5, 2008 at
8:31 AM
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Our deepest sympathies are extended to you. Opal was a fantastic professor and a unique individual we were lucky to know. We know God will sustain you during this time.
Love,
Ed & Hollie
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Karen Dansby
Sunday May 4, 2008 at
8:15 PM
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Opal was a great mentor and wonderful friend. I will always remember how much wise advice she gave me and deeply appreciate how much our lives intersected.
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Dan Cooksey
Sunday May 4, 2008 at
4:47 PM
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Rick:
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother. She was a great person and she will be missed by many. She was truly an inspiration to her friends, family and the enire academic community.
Best Regards,
Dan
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Dr. Lisa Vaughn
Sunday May 4, 2008 at
4:08 PM
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My deepest sympathy to the family.
Mrs.Conley was my Professor 1979 to 1981. She strongly encouraged my dream to be a doctor. Because of Mrs. Conley, I attended the Health Careers Opportunity Program at U.K. This helped me make the right connections and learn the right behaviors to finally achieve my dream.
Because of this wonderful educator who was always willing to go the extra mile, I now daily live my dream of being a doctor. She had a profound impact on my life. She will be missed.
Lisa D. Vaughn, D.O.
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