Vera E. Minnich, 86, of Carlisle, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2013, at LifeCare Hospitals of Mechanicsburg. She was born on Friday, November 12, 1926, in Mifflin Twp., a daughter of the late Irvin Ray Smith and Velva E. (Swartz) Smith, and was the widow of Francis Edward Minnich, who died Nov. 13, 1994.

Vera was a 1945 graduate of Carlisle High School and also graduated from the former Harrisburg School of Beauty. She was a licensed beautician for many years in the Carlisle area. Vera had worked at the Thornwald Home for 36 years and had also worked at the Church of God Home and the former Presbyterian Home, all of Carlisle. She also had a beauty shop in her home. Vera was a member for many years of First United Church of Christ, Carlisle.

She is survived by one son, Dennis E. (and his wife, Shari) Minnich of Carlisle, one daughter, Barbara L. (and her husband, Jack) Dumbauld of Annville, four sisters; Mary Louise Fitzgerald, Rachel Jean Reed, Edna M. McKillip and Elsie F. Finkey, all of Carlisle, one grandson, Erik R. Kaylor of Lebanon and several nieces and nephews. Vera was predeceased by brothers; Ray, John, Robert, Richard and Jackie Smith and one sister, Fredith M. Wholey.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Rev. Lynn R. Schultz officiating. Burial will follow in Westminster Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. A viewing will be heldon Tuesday from 6 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral homeand on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services alsoat the funeral home. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ, 30 N. Pitt St., Carlisle, PA 17013.