Bernice L. Smitley

Bernice Lucille Smitley, 83, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, December 22, 2018 while in the care of Community Hospice’s Truman House at New Philadelphia. Bernie, as she was known to family and friends was reunited with her late husband Charles E. Smitley who preceded her in death 12 years to the date.

Born at Lodi, Ohio on November 25, 1935, Bernie was a daughter of the late George and Olive McVicker Bidinger and a graduate of New Philadelphia High School.

Bernie and Charles were not only partners in life but also partners in business. Together the couple operated Smitley Service Center and Body Shop and in 1971, they opened Ohio Valley Salvage Pool. Bernie remained an active part of the business for nearly four decades until her retirement in 2010.

Always a detail-oriented person, Bernie enjoyed numbers and bookkeeping. In her younger years, enjoyed sewing, dress making and operated her own upholstery business from her home. In later years, she kept her bookkeeping skills on point but found great joy in spending time with her family, grandchildren and working in her flower gardens.

Bernie will be missed by her children, Michelle (Mark Estock) Ford of New Philadelphia and Mike (fiancée Jeanine Gauthier) of Uhrichsville; her beloved grandchildren, Olyvia, Alexis, and Logan Ford and Cooper Smitley; her brothers, George “Butch” (Sandy) Bidinger of Florida and William (Betty) Bidinger of Dover as well as her nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 from 5-8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service celebrating Bernie’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Thursday, December 27, at 10:30 AM. Burial alongside her husband will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Following services, all are invited to share in a time of food and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Bernie’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.