It is with great sadness, yet rejoicing at her gain in Christ, that we share with you the passing of Opal C. Linebaugh, one of the co-founders of the Ranch. Opal impacted so many lives for Christ through her many years of faithful ministry alongside her husband, Dr. Dale. Her life has touched many of us here at the Ranch and all over the world. The Ranch will be hosting a funeral service for her on Wednesday, August 23. Visitation and viewing will begin at 12:30, commencing at 1:30 and followed by the funeral service at 2:00. Opal will be laid to rest here in the Warriors Rest Cemetery. Please keep her family in your prayers. Her obituary is attached below.
Opal Florence Chaffee Linebaugh, daughter of Rev. Ralph and Marjorie Chaffee and wife of Dr. Dale E. Linebaugh, born on February 21, 1929, in Endicott, N.Y. entered into the presence of her Lord Jesus on August 17, 2017. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at Miracle Mountain Ranch, Spring Creek, Pa. (to be announced).
Growing up in a ministry family, it was natural that Opal’s heart was stirred to full-time ministry. To that end, she attended Houghton College, Houghton, N.Y. for two years with a major in Music, and continued her education at Bryan College, Dayton, TN. in Creative Writing and English. Marriage to Dale E. Linebaugh July 4, 1949 in South Apalachan, N.Y. opened a wide vista in gospel ministry; teaching, counseling, singing, providing music as an accomplished musician on Piano, Organ, Flute, Accordion. She was most noted for her Vibraharp and creative arrangements of vocal and instrumental music. Her greatest gift and desire was in ministering to children, hundreds of whom she led to Jesus Christ, many of whom are in full-time ministry today.
Besides five full-time pastorates, together, Opal and Dale started three churches and two ranch styled camp ministries for youth where she held positions of; Director of Music, Counselor Coordinator, Director of Food Service, Camp Nurse, Wrangler, Gardener, and Housekeeping until other staff were available for those positions but she always maintained the position of Camp Mother to everyone.
During the seven years Dale was President of Practical Bible College, Johnson City, N.Y. (now Davis College) she consistently discipled student wives on such issues as their role in ministry, teaching, praying with power, discipling others, care for their children in a pastoral environment, and supporting their husband/pastor.
Opal is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Wilfred, Sydney and Douglas Chaffee, and one grandchild, Jeremiah Sterrett. She is survived by her husband Dr. Dale E. Linebaugh, two children Dr. Melodie L. Sterrett (Lewis), Rev. Jonathan E. “Jed” Linebaugh (Debra), eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She is dearly loved and will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
Memorial Gifts: In lieu of flowers Opal requested memorial gifts be given to Sermon On The Mount Ministry. A CD of Dr. Dale and Opal’s 1962 vintage record of their singing will be given as a thank you gift for your donation. If you are unable to attend the funeral but would like to give a gift it can be mailed to S.O.T.M. at 35102 County Street 2740, Anadarko, OK. 73005
For those who wish to send flowers, we recommend “ Bloomer Flowers”, Corry, PA. 814-663-0202
For Housing options please contact the Ranch at 814-664-7673. Cobblestone Inn in Corry is also offering a discount with the mention of Miracle Mountain Ranch. Meals before and after the day of the funeral can be provided at the Ranch with an r.s.v.p. A supper is being provided the evening of the service.
Video with Opal sharing about time at MMR: https://vimeo.com/118711962
My mom & dad meet at one of your minister’s, in Ennis, Mt. early 60’s. When I was born in ’64, I was named after Opal. I was trying to look up Dale & Opal as I was given a picture of the Linebaugh’s dressed up for a Western night youth rally. I am very sad to know that Opal passed away, but rejoice that she is in heaven. That is where I will finally get to meet my name sake. My sympathy to Dale, and the family. Praying for Gods comfort in their lives. We lost my dad Gaither Stewart, Dec. 19th, 2017. But I know he too is in a better place, and I will see him too one day.
Opal had a huge impact on me at the time when I was the Executive Administrative Assistant at Practical Bible College (now Davis College). We prepared and planned many events together and it was a privilege to have her make a positive impact for Christ in my life. I grew to love both her and Dr. Dale as I served beside them during their time at Practical!Love and prayers to Dr. Dale and the rest of the family as they adjust to life without her on this earth. Rejoicing that she is worshiping at Jesus feet!
We will be unable to be with you all for the service on Wednesday. We are so sorry four loss. Opal was loved by us as she and Dale ministered to us and taught us when we cooked in the Ranch kitchen. May the Lord bless and comfort you you all.
So sorry for your loss. But I know she was greeted with open arms by my mom and dad. Another guardian angel to watch over us for sure. My heartfelt condolences and love to all.
She was faithful to the end and left changed lives because of her influence and love for the Lord. She kept the vision, loved the Lord and kept pressing on, amazing woman of God who gave her all….what joy she now shares with so many saints in the hall of faith. Now no more suffering but basting in Jesus’ love.
Have a note to my grandparents the Glenn Fearnleys from Opal and Dale. So thankful for their time spent at Birchardville Baptist Church where grandma took me as a child too. Would spend summers there and so loved that white country church. After I married a TTU student who moved us to Chattanooga with IBM I got to chat with Opal. Sorry we weren’t able to get out to Dayton before we moved back to VA where we learned the Linebaughs were also great friends of River Valley Ranch founders. Loved their teaching ministry. Prayers as you say goodbye until you meet again on those heavenly shores.
My heart goes out to all of the ones who knew and loved Opal. Dr Dale, especially you. I’ve let Dorothy Negley in Lansing NY know about this too and we had a lovely conversation about you and Opal. I’ve lost your e-mail address, but I have thought of you both often. Melody, I’m sure this is a hard time for you too. The passing of our parents is not easy but it is a joy to know we will see them again. Love to all of you
We loved the time that Dale &a Opal spent at the Guys Mills Church. Opal was always encouraging and you always saw Christ shining through. We are sorry for her early loss but also rejoice in her Homegoing .
They were friends of my family (Dave and Peg Jones, Erie, PA). I remember their ministry with rope tricks and the horses. My dad, I do believe made the very first Miracle Mountain Ranch sign. It had a small Appaloosas painted on it. Always enjoyed going to the ranch before it became such a big ministry. I have always admired Dale, Opal, Melodie and Jonathan. We have been a blessing and many a times thought of a prayed for. God bless the family and may we have thanksgiving in our hearts as Opal enters “His Gates!”
Jim and I share in the sadness of the loss of dear Opal, but we, too, are rejoicing in the knowledge of knowing that Opal is with our precious Savior.
We would like to be with you all, for the celebration of Opal’s life. We hope to be there for the day and evening, if there will be space.
I went to the camp at 14 yrs old. Won 2 blue ribbons in the rodeo and will never forget the music. God truely blessed Dale and Opal. Thank yoh for sharing.
My Sympathy to Dale,they are my favorite people,I pray for them everyday now I will continue to pray for Dale everyday.I send my LOVE to Dale and family.GOD BLESS ALl and I know Opal is in a much better Place.