Opal Linebaugh Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

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 Thursday morning, August 17, 2017. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at Miracle Mountain Ranch, Spring Creek, Pa. on Wednesday August 23, 2017 at 2 P.M. A time for visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday from 12:30 -1:30 P.M. 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 Apalachin, 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 fulltime ministry today. Besides five fulltime 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. For those who wish to send flowers we recommend “Bloomer Flowers” , Corry ,PA. (814)-663-0202 The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania is honored to be serving the Linebaugh family. Friends and family wishing to send a memorial gift, share a personal memory or offer condolences to the family, a Memorial Tribute Page in Opal’s honor and a Sympathy Store are available at www.Allen FuneralHome.com.

Opal Linebaugh

February 21, 1929 - August 17, 2017