Beverly A. Orner

Orner – Beverly Ann, 80, Richland, went to be with the Lord on April 30, 2020 at Laurelwood Care Center. She was born on May 8, 1939 in Altoona, PA. Daughter of the late Rollin C. and Dorothy (Miller) VanHorne. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Stephen H. Orner; brother, Gene VanHorne and his wife, Livian; aunt, Kathleen Miller Smay and her husband, Donald, and their son Donnie, aunt, Marian Miller, and sister-in-law, Eleanor VanHorne. Beverly is survived by her loving daughters, Kimberly Ann, wife of Ben Shapiro, Long Beach, NY, and Leigh Ann Orner-Carnese, wife of Chris Carnese, Phillipsburg, NJ: brother, Dale, Altoona, PA; sister, Kathleen VanHorne, Greensburg, PA, and wonderful nieces and nephews. Beverly was a 1957 graduate of Altoona High School. After graduation, she worked a year at Quaker Super Markets. She then started college at Lock Haven State Teachers College and obtained a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She started teaching immediately at Garfield Elementary School in Altoona for three years. Beverly married her late husband, Stephen in 1964 and moved to Silver Spring, MD in 1965. There she taught three years at Burnt Mills Elementary School. She had wonderful students at both schools. In 1968, Beverly gave birth her first daughter, Kim, and retired. They moved to Johnstown in 1970, and gave birth to their second daughter, Leigh in 1972. Beverly enjoyed being a wife, mom, and homemaker but always had a love for painting, most mediums. Self-taught, however she did take a course in Portraits made easy when East Hills started classes at Bel Air Banton Theaters. Beverly then took over the class and had a many lovely women and men. She had one of her Jimmy Stewart pictures at the J.S. Indiana Museum. June Allyson saw it and wrote her a very lovely note. It was a fun time and fun class for all. Beverly also went back to teaching and subbing at St. Benedict Catholic School, Geistown and for Conemaugh School Districts for approximately 8 years. She loved reading, learning the computer and visiting her daughters in NM, NY and NJ. Beverly and her late husband, Steve loved the Carolinas and the beach. She was an active parishioner at the Bethany United Methodist Church, Johnstown. Beverly served as Chair of Council for many years, as well as serving on the Pastor Parish Committee and helped with many dinners. She belonged to the Bible Study Group for 14 years and started teaching after 3 years. Beverly truly enjoyed that and the ladies have remained lifelong friends forever. Beverly’s family would like to specially thank all the neighbors who helped Beverly out in many ways since her husband died. Due to current health conditions, there will be no public viewing. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 31st, at Bethany United Methodist Church, with the Pastor Adam Dotts officiating. Beverly’s family asks that those who plan attend, please wear masks to protect each other. Private inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family at Grandview Cemetery, Altoona, PA. The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Beverly’s family suggests contributions be directed to Bethany United Methodist Church, 112 Leventry Road, Johnstown, PA 15904 in memory of Beverly A. Orner. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. Cremation by Laurel Highlands Crematory at Harris Funeral Home.