Vada M. (Miller) Eckard, 96, of Bedford died Saturday, February 1, 2020 at her residence. She was born on March 16, 1923, in Clearville, a daughter of the late Cecil and Janet (Conlon) Miller. She is survived by the following nieces and nephews: Bonnie Steckman Manges of Ohio, Ronald Eckard of North Carolina, Charles L Steckman, and Kimberley Geracioti of Ohio, Troy Steckman of Pennsylvania, and Nicole Masciocchi of Washington; and several great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister Betty M. Steckman, a brother Lloyd E. Miller and a nephew Nicholas E Steckman.
Vada was a graduate of Everett High School, class of 1940. As a young woman, Vada was active in the Clearville Christian Church, 4-H, yearbook staff, Tri-Hi-Y, and high school orchestra. She led the Clearville Youth Organization at her church. She often performed with her sister Betty at recitals and church assemblies such as the Bedford County Sunday School Association for Young People and the annual Rays Hill and Southern Pennsylvania Association of Congregational Christian Churches. She was a member of the Everett Rotary Club and was their pianist. She later became a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Bedford. Through the years, she donated to many religious and family charities. Vada worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Barkman Chevrolet in Everett and the First National Bank in Everett, completing educational programs such as Commercial Law through the Altoona Chapter of the American Institute of Banking, eventually retiring in the early 1980's. Vada was known to be a strong and independent woman throughout her life. She remained at home during her later years due to the generosity of her neighbors and dedication of the caring people in the community.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Pastor Adam Kravets officiating. Burial at Clearville Union Church Cemetery. Friends will be received 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make contributions in Vada’s name to: South Central Blind Association, 202 S. Juliana St., Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.