On Sunday, October 25, 2009, our Lord summoned on of heavens most special angels to His side and issued instructions to safely escort our dear mother, Opal Ellen Peters Ratcliffe, of Pearisburg, in her journey as she passed from the bonds of this earth and stepped through Heavens gate into the presence of her Precious Savior. Today, Mom is with her beloved husband, Fred L. Ratcliffe. Daddy has been waiting and watching for her since Thanksgiving Day 1955. Together now, the will wait and watch for us.

Mom was born, April 18, 1912, to Isaac Asbury and Amanda Loma Morris Peters in Wise County, Virginia. Her grandparents were: Jeff and Martha Ellen Harrell Morris and James William and Frances ruby Bailie Peters. She became a member of The Church of God of Prophecy on May 28, 1933. Through the years, she served faithfully in whatever position she was given. She taught the Adult Sunday School Class for many years. Mom worked hard to raise money for missions by making and selling countless quilts, aprons, crochet handkerchiefs and embroidered pillow cases. Once, when in her mid-sixties, he hand cut a line fence of mid-sized trees with a bow saw to earn money which she donated to the churches building fund. Mom's journey through this life was, often times, most difficult. It was not unusual to find her on her knees seeking God's help. He never once failed to answer her prayers.

In addition to her parents, grandparents, and her husband, she was predeceased by two sisters: Ruby Peters Janney and Loma Peters Parson; a brother Isaac "Ike" Asbury Peters, Jr. and a foster son, Ronnie.

She is survived by a foster daughter, Edna (James) Campbell of Blackbear GA; a daughter Freda Ratcliffe of Pearisburg, VA and a son Steven Ratcliffe of Pulaski, VA; several foster grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

We, her family, have been most highly blessed to have a Godly mother to love us, teach, and guide us. She will be sorely missed. We are so very thankful that she taught us about Jesus. Through her life's example, she has shown us how to live so that when the day dawns for us to also pass from the bonds of this earth, we shall be together once more and never have to part again.

Graveside services will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 AM in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the Kendall Funeral Home, 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 PM. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.