Opal E. Sprague

Opal and her husband, Norman F. Sprague were co-owners of a progressive Dairy – Sprague Hill Farm located on Sprague Hill Road, Falconer. They were married on June 7, 1953 at Bemus Point Methodist Church. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Throughout her life, Opal was a dedicated employee, working as a bookkeeper at Blackstone Corp., and Jamestown Mutual Insurance Company. She worked at Harvey C. Fenner Elementary (Falconer) School in the cafeteria and as a teacher’s aide. She retired after 25 years from her Dream Job as 4-H Program Assistant at Chautauqua County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Opal was preceded in death by her husband, Norman F. Sprague in 2018. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Chelous and Mabel (Johnson) Edson; sisters, Marjorie Sample, Mildred Rentz, and Marcella Cortner; and two infant daughters. She is survived by Daughter, Elaine (Kenneth) Smith of Stamford, NY; Son, Dean (Rebecca) Sprague of Falconer; Grandchildren – Michael Smith of Stamford, NY; Elizabeth (Aaron) Smith Patterson of Kintnersville, PA; Amelia Sprague and Josiah Sprague both of Falconer; Great Grandsons – Elliot James Patterson and Emmett Henry Patterson both of Kintnersville, PA.

To say Opal was active in the community and county is an understatement! She was an active member of the Falconer United Methodist Church, joining in 1953. While serving in many roles and committees, she is most known for as she recently stated, “still taking up a seat in the choir” singing soprano until July 2025. In 1996, she and Norman received the Laity of the Year award.

Opal joined 4-H when she was ten years old and learned many life skills. Sponsored by the Sears-Roebuck Foundation, Opal was the NY State Winner of the Home Improvement Program, thus attending National 4-H Congress in Chicago. Opal and Norman met through a 4-H trip to Cornell University. She became a local project and organizational leader in 1951, teaching many members various projects. Her specialty was sewing, serving as a sewing leader for over 60 years. Through those years, HUNDREDS of Chautauqua County 4-Hers can say they learned to sew with Opal. She directed the Levant Live Wires Club, and served on the County Clothing and Textile Committee. In 1984, she and Norman received the Friend of 4-H award. She also received a “Special Service to 4-H Award in 1997.

Chautauqua County Fair held an important place in Opal’s life. Her involvement in 4-H and Grange naturally fit into “The Fair.” She was a past member of the Chautauqua County Fair Board of Directors, serving as the President in 1993-94. She was recently given the status of Honorary Director. Opal could always be spotted at the fair sporting her “Fair Directors” cap with the pompom on top!

Opal served on the Town of Poland Planning Board for many years.

Opal’s strongest involvement was Grange. As a prenuptial requirement, she had to become a member to be admitted to the Sprague Clan. She joined Ross Grange in Falconer in November 1952, thus making her a 73 year member! She was a 7th degree (National) member, and received the unofficial 8th degree at various National Grange Conventions. Opal has held a variety of offices and served on a multitude of committees at the local, county and state levels. Most notably -, State Grange – Flora, Executive Committee Member (serving as Secretary), Director of Women’s Activities, State Deputy of Chautauqua County, NY State Fair Grange Building Superintendent, and State Grange Member of the State Grange Museum Board. In 1980, Opal and Norman were the Grange Representatives for Farmers in World Affairs. Emphasizing “Peace Through Mutual Understanding,” they traveled throughout India, as guests of the government and local farmers. They also hosted five Indian Farmers in return. In 1997, she and Norman received the prestigious NYS Grange Eastman Award for their Involvement in Grange, Church, Community and exemplifying Christian values and ideals. At the 2023 National Grange Convention in Niagara Falls, Opal was surprised as a recipient of the National Grange Connector Award by the National Grange Communications Director, Philip Vonada, for her efforts in promoting and advertising the Rural Minds Program sponsored by Ross Grange. Opal has received that welcome plaudit, “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!”

Opal’s family would like to thank the Caregivers and Staff of Chautauqua Hospice Palliative Care and Star Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care of Opal in her final days.

Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21 at the Falconer Funeral Home, 44 West Falconer St., Falconer, NY. And 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the Falconer Methodist Church. The Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 in the Falconer United Methodist Church, 201 North Work, Falconer, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Opal’s memory to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, Falconer Public Library, Chautauqua County 4-H.

Opal’s Celebration of Life Service will be livestreamed on Saturday the 22nd on the churches facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Falconer.NY.UMC.

Visit our website at www.falconerfuneralhome.net to send a message of condolence.