Barbara Anne Hala

Barbara A., “Bobbie” Hala age 75 of Beavercreek, passed away December 24, 2015 at Hospice of Dayton. She was born April 23, 1940 in Walla Walla, WA to Frank and Margaret (Seeliger) Fraser, both of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Norbert Hala, and two sons: Scott Hala of Huber Heights and Kyle Hala of Topeka, KS. Two grandchildren also survive her: Austyn Hala and Britney Hala, both of Mineola, FL, as does a sister, Kay White of Walla Walla, WA. Bobbie was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School and studied at Walla Walla College for several years prior to going to Spokane, WA for work. There she met and married her husband of 53 years, Norbert, and thereby became the wife of a USAF officer. Throughout a 24 year career she endured eleven major moves to stations from New York to California and Texas to North Dakota. Her most challenging task was maintaining their home while her husband was gone for twenty-one months flying combat sorties over Viet Nam and SE Asia and on numerous seven day alert tours. She also excelled at being the wife of a Squadron Commander for two years with its unique duties and requirements. A lifelong interest in handmade crafts became total involvement following her husband’s retirement. She was the proprietor of Basket Hollow, a home craft business, and participated in numerous juried craft shows in Ohio and on the East Coast. A testament to the quality of her work, she was selected nine times to be included in Early American Life magazine’s “Directory of American Craftsmen”. After 25 years as a basket maker, she was forced to stop by carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. She then took up crocheting, making numerous items for donation to various charities, a task she worked at until shortly before her passing. She was a member of St. Luke Parish in Beavercreek, OH, Walla Walla Catholic Schools, and the “Crooked Hookers” crochet group. She also served as a Cub Scout Den Leader and Den Leader Coach in the 1970’s. Bobbie was an optimistic and upbeat person; her perpetual smile will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Friends may call at the Tobias Funeral Home Beavercreek Chapel on Monday, January 4, 2016 from 5-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St Luke Catholic Church, 1440 N. Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45432 at 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 5, 2016 with Fr. Terry Schneider, celebrant. Interment of cremains will be held privately at a later date. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 2808 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45206 in Bobbie’s memory. Condolences for the family can be made at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.