Opal Lorraine Linney

Opal Lorraine Linney passed away peacefully April 3, 2017. Opal was born in Clear Lake Wisconsin to Leo and Genevieve Lybarger on April 1, 1923. Opal married Floyd Graham in 1940 having 3 children Sheila, Herb and Flora. After her divorce she married John Linney in 1953 having another child Lyle.

In 1941 Opal apprenticed as a hairdresser in Cranbrook receiving her certificate in 1944. Opal worked in numerous shops over the years before finally setting up her own shop “Hi Style Hair Fashions” in Merritt in 1963 until 1990. Retirement came and Opal moved to Vernon where she volunteered for many non-profit organizations. In 2005 Opal returned to Merritt residing a Nicola Meadows for her final years.

Opal is survived by her children: Sheila Dunham (Kevin) of Grand Prairie Alta, Herb Graham (Angelina) of Merritt BC, Flora Anadarko of Surrey BC, and Lyle Linney (Barb) of Kamloops. She will be missed by her grandchildren: Sheila’s children Ron and Kyle Bennison, Jonathan Bennison (Holli-Anna) Alexis, Erich Bennison, Alysia Dunham. Herb’s children: John Graham (Jody) Max and Grace, Vanessa Joesphson (Brian). Flora’s children: Natasha, Thor (Rebecca) Chance, Beata and Tessa Anadarko. Lyle’s children: Lesley DeRose (Emilio) Isaac, Ella, Olive. Lynda Gienow (Chris) Amy, Sam.

Also survived by her sister Florence McCall and brother Dan Lybarger and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her husbands Floyd Graham and John Linney. Grandson Brian Bennison and granddaughter Rene Bennison. Also Sisters: Ethel Beolette, Dorothy Cherbo, Leona Cherbo, Dora Amaroso, and Fern Makarenko.

The last couple of months Opal resided at the Florentine where she needed extra care. The family would like to thank the staff at Nicola Meadows, The Florentine, Nicola Valley Health Centre, and the Ambulance Service for the care given to their mother in her time of need.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Merritt Funeral Chapel, Merritt, BC.