Karen L. (Smolko) Waite, 55, of Van Ormer died Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at UPMC Altoona. She was born Oct. 6, 1958 in Philipsburg, a daughter of Martin and Catherine (Slinkosky) Smolko Sr. of Van Ormer.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed her family, crocheting and taking care of people. She was a member of the Janesville VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
On May 26, 1984 in Clearfield, she married George F. “Red” Waite Sr., who survives of Van Ormer.
She’s survived by five children, Jerry Hockenberry, Christopher Hockenberry and Patricia L. Waite, all of Van Ormer; Timothy Hockenberry of Janesville; and George F. Waite Jr. (Angela) of Osceola Mills. She is survived by 15 grandchildren.
She’s survived by eight siblings, Michael Smolko (Darlene) of Osceola Mills; James Smolko (Donna) of Erie; Cindy Beers (Robert) and Barbara Selvage (Darryl), both of Janesville; Martin Smolko Jr (Shelia) of West Decatur; Linda Albright of Irvona; and Brandon Smolko and Jason Smolko, both of Van Ormer. She’s also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and by her father-in-law, Enlow “Brownie’ Campbell of Janesville.
She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Phoebe Mae Campbell.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Friday at the Kruise Funeral Home Inc., Ramey.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Kruise Funeral Home Inc., with Pastor Clare L. Pannebaker officiating. Graveside services will follow in the Utahville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to George F. Waite Sr., 169 Lidwell Rd., Fallentimber, PA 16639, to help with funeral expenses.
Condolences may be sent to condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.