Betty Ann Hedman

Betty Ann Hedman, age 68, passed away on September 11, 2020, at her home in Smicksburg, PA, following her battle with cancer.

She is preceded in death by brothers Robert, Carl, and Albert.

She is survived by her beloved only daughter, Lisa Kitsmiller (Anthony) and four siblings Fred Perez (Donna), Harrison Ward (Annie), Frank Ward, and Mary Hickson (Rick). In 1952.

Betty was born in Sacramento, CA, to Harrison and Clarita Ward.

In 1980, as a single mother, Betty decided to go to college to pursue her dream of studying art. Betty later graduated with a fiber art degree from Edinboro University and completed graduate classes in ceramics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She later moved to Smicksburg, PA with her husband Donn Hedman. In 1996

Betty purchased and opened the Smicksburg Pottery, containing a show room and gallery as well as a studio behind the gallery. Betty was an incredibly talented ceramics artist conducting workshops at a number of universities and art centers throughout the United States and abroad. Betty was also invited to participate in long term artist residencies in Oregon, Montana, Minnesota, and New York. In 1991 she was instrumental in starting the Soup Line which later became the Empty Bowls Project, a fundraiser for the Indiana County Food Bank. In 2000 Betty started the Indiana County Artist Tour which later became The Potters Studio Tour. Her ceramics art is displayed in collections throughout the US as well as internationally. As talented as she was, she was just as passionate about her gardens, displaying the words of Margaret Atwood on the entrance to her gardens “gardening is not a rational act.”

Betty was beloved by family, friends, her community of Smicksburg, and her generous spirit touched all that knew her.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 36 N 7 ^th Street, Indiana, PA 15701.

To view the online obituary, sign the guest registry or send condolences, visit www.shoemakerfamilyservices.com