Orebaugh returned to Rockingham County and her alma mater, Broadway High School, and for 35 years taught courses including French, English, government, and U.S. and world history before retiring in 1990.
She was also active in the local Chamber of Commerce, AARP, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society, National Council of Social Studies, Delta Kappa Gamma sorority, and her parish Church of the Brethren.
[2] Active in Republican and conservative politics, Orebaugh defeated Rockingham attorney Roger Ritchie to win election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1982, following court-mandated single-member districts.
Shortly before the 1985 election, severe floods devastated western Virginia, including Orebaugh's home town, Broadway, destroying printed voter lists as well as suppressing turnout.
[5] Orebaugh chose to retire from the legislature rather than contest Chesterfield County insurance agent and veteran delegate Steve Martin in the Republican primary.