Lisa Colleen (Yerger) Opdyke

Lisa Colleen Yerger Opdyke passed away in her sleep October 29, 2022 at the age of 51. Lisa was born to Walt and Sheila Yerger in Amarillo on October 4, 1971 and spent most of her life here. Lisa always wanted to help others. She became a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) after receiving her certification and Associates Degree from Amarillo College. She moved to the Dallas area where she worked in her field and eventually married. Her two stepchildren remained a part of her life until her death.

After divorcing, Lisa moved with her treasured dog, Emerson, back to Amarillo. She went back to school at WTAMU, receiving first a bachelor’s degree and then a Master’s of Criminal Justice. She was very proud of her advanced degree. She worked in Amarillo as both a substance abuse counselor and a substitute teacher; she had a special place in her heart for middle schoolers in the last year of her life.

Animals were always very important to Lisa; she had many dogs in her life, probably most special (and spoiled) of all, Emerson. She volunteered for animal rescue organizations over the years. She also loved children, especially her 2 nieces and 4 nephews. Her youngest nephew even shared her birthday.

She was a music fan from an early age, especially of retro bands like Duran Duran, The Beatles, and The Monkees. She loved to listen to music while going about her day or dance to relax. She had an avid interest in true crime and paranormal activities, perhaps following her biological father’s path as a homicide detective. She was obsessively interested in all history, but especially World War II and her grandfather’s role in it. She loved to travel and visit historical sites as well as paint and do puzzles.

Lisa was part of a loving family who will miss her dearly. Family and friends were very important to her. She accepted the Lord as her Savior as a young child. It wasn’t unusual to receive a card from her for a birthday, loss, or other occasion to be marked; and she kept every card given to her. She was a beautiful person, inside and out.

She is survived by her parents, Robert and Sheila Boyd; two siblings, Craig Yerger and wife, Audra, and Karen Benckenstein and husband, George; many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter C. Yerger, Jr. and all four grandparents.

The family requests that donations be made to ASPCA or other favorite animal rescue charity in lieu of flowers.