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Opal Brown Obituary
Opal was the beloved wife of Jim Brown and the devoted mother of Angie & Ashley Freeman. Opal is also survived by her stepchildren Chris Brown (Stacey), Jenny VanderVeur (James), Tim Brown (Amber); grandkids Tanner, Ethan, Lilly, Ari, Rio, Rylan, Caity, Iris, Rory, and great-granddaughter Savannah, as well as numerous bonus kids and grandkids, siblings, extended family, and friends.
Opal was the matriarch of her family and a pillar of strength to all who knew her. She was kind, generous, sincere, and honest, always striving to be the best mother, grandmother, wife, and leader. Opal's dedication to her family was unwavering, and she will be deeply missed by all.
In her professional life, Opal was the Owner & Operator of Western Destinations, overseeing Canyon Creek Ranch, Flying E Ranch, Cave Creek Outfitters, & Cleator Bar and Yacht Club. Her passion for her work was evident in every endeavor she pursued.
Outside of work, Opal enjoyed shopping, hiking with friends and the dogs, walking on the beach, and spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. Her love and care for them knew no bounds.
A Celebration of Life for Opal will be held in August in Indiana, and when the weather cools down in Arizona at Canyon Creek Ranch. Details for the services will be announced once plans are finalized. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Hope Kids (hopekids.org) or Fostering Heroes Foundation (fosteringheroes.org).
Surprise Funeral Care in Surprise, AZ, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tina R
October 28, 2024
Thankful for the blessing of having had the pleasure of meeting Opal in passing many times, throughout time spent in AZ - from Sanders Ranch Supply to the Javelina to Canyon Creek to Cleator and places in between over 10 years in AZ - she was always so bright and inspirational...Wishing sincerest condolences to all friends, family and acquaintances touched by her light, obviously spread so very far and wide.
Wild Bunch
July 6, 2024
Opal was the nucleus that held it all together. From ranch to ranch, she never thought of herself but always of others. Her easy demeanor, commitment, and self-sacrifices ensured all of her guests the experience of a lifetime every-time. Opal's unwavering kindness and dedication have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts. The Wild Bunch is forever indebted to the entire Brown family.
Mary Breetz
June 28, 2024
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers for all family and friends. She will be missed!
Gail Starr
June 24, 2024
I´m so sad to hear this! Quite the lady and hard worker. So many campfires shared and bringing the western way of life to so many. I´m so sad . Condolences to all the family. May your trails I. Heaven be happy ones
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Connie Scholler
June 22, 2024
My husband and I first met Opal when we attended concerts at the Flying E Ranch and she always had a smile and made you feel so welcome anytime we were there. Her cookies were legendary and as soon as we were checked into our room I´d head straight to the dining hall to get one. At the Arts and Crafts show I mentioned I was looking for a fringed skirt and she took me to one she´d seen and it was perfect. I´ll always think of her when I wear it.
Rest in Peace Opal. Your beautiful smile will be missed. May God comfort your family.
Dennis and Connie Scholler
john kilgoar
June 21, 2024
I was shocked. Opal was a awesome person ,hard worker and super cool. I met her back in 1976 in Indiana. Super glad to have met her. Man did we have some great fun time's at Canyon Creek Ranch. Will never forget. She will definitely be missed. Hugs and prayer's go out to the family. Rest in piece Opal. You were awesome.
Deb DiNardo
June 21, 2024
Thanks Opal you will be missed by many people. Thanks for the memories at Cleator, the Flying E Ranch. All of your hard work organizing, cooking serving beers, laughing with all of us (the My Ole Mans group) you were Amazing.
Ambyr Beckham
June 20, 2024
I've known Opal since I was a little girl and we shared so many amazing times and memories together but my favorite time was when I was living on Catalina Island and working for Western Destinations. I had just turned 21 and she came out with Jim and Ashley and the family. There wasn't just one specific memory that makes me smile but every time with her in it that makes my heart swell. Opal had this light about her that just attracted people around her. She showed me how to make the perfect margarita, taught me to stand up for myself and for others who aren't being treated nicely and and to go after true love. It was almost like she was a character out of a movie. My fiance Josh worked for Western Destinations for around 10 years always said Opie was like another mother to him and someone he could look up to. Josh said Opal burgers were his favorite .She was there the day my daughter Gabby was born and showed me it's ok to be afraid of situations but to work through them with grace and be stronger for it. Everytime we were together she said how much she loved her family and how lucky she was to have this life. We will miss her forever. Love you chick!!!
Sam&Cathir
June 20, 2024
Dear Jim,Ashley & Angie. This sadness is so heavy and felt by all of us who knew her. God needed another Angel, we'll feel her wings forever. Praying for your beautiful family. Sam&Cathie
Cassy cowan
June 20, 2024
Calling me hey chick, I loved her so much! She was one of the few women that taught me to be strong, independent, and not take nothing from nobody. She will forever live on!!! much Love you Cassy
Penny Estelle
June 20, 2024
What a lovely tribute to an amazing woman. I've been to many events at Canyon Creek and The Flying E and she was always in the mix of things with a ready smile. She will be sorely missed by everybody that knew her.
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