Viola M. Smith

Viola M. “Susie” Smith, 99, of Division Street, Bedford, died Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Pennknoll Village Nursing Home.  She was born on August 28, 1915, in Pavia, a daughter of the late Henry and Ada (Hite) Gardner.  She is survived by the following family: two daughters, Sharon wife of Akira Yamakawa, of Barrington, IL, and Donna wife of Patrick Koch, of Marlborough, MA; a son, Larry Smith, of Bedford; and two grandchildren: Jennifer Koch, and Christopher Koch, and wife Rebecca.  She was preceded in death by four brothers: Alvin, Lawrence, Ruben, and Chester Gardner; and three sisters: Mary Snyder, Hazel Koza, and Nellie Gardner.

Viola was known around town as “Suzie” and worked as a sales clerk at the Leuin Shoe Store in Bedford.  She was an active member of the St. John’s United Church of Christ.  With only seven lessons, she went on to play piano for many churches across the area including: Upper Claar Church of the Brethren, Woods Church, and Friends Cove Methodist Church, in Rainsburg.  In her younger years she enjoyed going to Johnny Dibert’s store in Pavia, to participate in the square dances.  She also enjoyed eating pies.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., at the St. John’s United Church of Christ, with Pastor Joseph Puleo and Brady Plummer, officiating.  Burial at Pavia Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Friday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the funeral home.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford. Those wishing can make memorial contributions in Viola’s name to the St. John’s UCC, 144 West John Street, Bedford, PA, 15522.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com