Velma J. "Hobby" (Smith) Oravec

Velma J. “Hobby” Oravec, 79, of Everett, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on June 5, 1943 in the family home on Imlertown Road in Bedford, a daughter of the late Clair E. and Bertha L. (Foor) Smith. On January 7, 1961 at the United Church of Christ in Bedford, she married James S. Oravec and this year they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. She is survived by two daughters: Renee Myslinski and fiancé William Crooks of Ocean City, MD; Jacqueline Hocker and friend Amy Cyphers of Frederick, MD; six grandchildren:  Martin, Morgan, and Logan Myslinski, Sean, Emma, and Evan Hocker; two sisters: LaDonna Yoder of Rockford, OH; and Sandra Clark and husband R.J. of Altoona; and one brother Roger Smith of Bedford.  She was preceded in death by one brother, Norman Smith widow Sarah who survives of Bedford, and one sister, Judith Smith.

Hobby attended Bedford High School and graduated with the class of 1961 and later attended Altoona Beauty School. She owned and operated “Hobby’s Studio of Hair Design” in Bedford and was a hair dresser for over 40 years.  Hobby loved her home very much and worked tirelessly cooking, cleaning, and caring for her many plants both inside and out.  She enjoyed planting flowers and gardening in the spring and summer months and did her yearly canning of fruits and vegetables and jellies in the late summer and early fall.  As busy as she was, she always found time to enjoy her three playful and adorable cats Missy, Maggie, and Morning.  In her free time, Hobby had fun playing many different types of card games and bowling in the Tuesday morning ladies league with her friends.  Vacation time for Hobby was at the beach and Myrtle Beach, SC was her favorite.  It gave her the opportunity to spend time with Jim’s relatives who reside in the Carolinas.  Hobby was a member of the Bedford Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and she served as both a deaconess and head deaconess for a number of years and always loved to sing at the Sunday service.  The family would like to give a heartfelt “Thank You” to all involved in the care that was given to Hobby.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with Pastor Isaac Stuart officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park.  Friends will be received on Monday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers if friends so desire memorial contribution may be made in Hobby’s memory to the Bedford Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, P.O. Box 670, Bedford, PA 15522. Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.   Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.