Velma Carolyn (“Bonnie”) Sheldon was born August 20, 1927, to Carroll B. and Grace Lucille (Overpack) Shuster and passed away October 30, 2015. She spent her life in the Henderson, Elsie, and Owosso, Michigan areas and in Mesa, Arizona. She attended Rush Center Elementary School and graduated from Elsie High School in 1944 and from Mesa Community College in 1976.
On Dec. 7, 1946, Bonnie married Jack LaVerne Sheldon, Sr., and together they celebrated 64 years of marriage. She was devoted to activities for the youth including service as a 4-H Club leader. She served as the Youth Director and Executive Director of the YWCA in Owosso. With her husband, Bonnie received an award from the State of Michigan for their service to youth. She taught homemaking skills for the Shiawassee County Extension Service. She also served on the staff of the Arizona State Library and Archives and on the staff of Arizona State University Library. Bonnie was known for her sewing, gardening, cooking, canning, rug hooking and other artistic endeavors. She enjoyed her book, doll, and other collections. Bonnie was always busy and she never stopped learning and living. She was known for being kind and caring and funny and for making people feel special. Bonnie was known for dancing with Grampy and playing on the floor with her grandkids. She was known for speaking up and being adventurous. She loved traveling with her family and she was never afraid of something new. She had so many projects yet to do and plans with family and friends for the coming years. We will all miss her.
Bonnie’s greatest joy was spending time with her extended family. She is survived by her children, Diana Wilkes of Roosevelt Park, Michigan, Neil (Susan) Sheldon, Sr., Linda Marie Kerlin, Niki Sheldon, David Sheldon, and Jack (Barbara) Sheldon, Jr., all of whom live in the Mesa-Tempe area. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Todd Carroll, L. James Carroll, Jennifer Towner, Wendy Sheldon-Barraza, Neil Sheldon, Jr., Robert Sheldon, Adina Morgan, Christopher Sheldon, Travis Kerlin, Jessica Arreldon, Sterling Sheldon, Donald Sheldon, and Jack Sheldon, III, their spouses, and many great-grandchildren. She also made a difference in the lives of 23 foster children. Bonnie was predeceased by her husband, her parents; two sisters, Kathleen Lucas and Alice Doretta Ferguson; two brothers, Marland “Bud” Shuster and Arlin Shuster; and one grandchild. She is survived by one sister, Vera Marie Poullion and two brothers, Melvin (Carol) Shuster and Calvin (Lesley) Shuster.
A service to celebrate Bonnie’s life will be held Saturday, November 7, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, 12th Ward, 2152 East Adobe Street, Mesa, Arizona, 85213.
The family is also planning a memorial service for Bonnie to be held in Michigan during the summer of 2016.
Aunt Bonnie, much love until we meet again! To your family, we are all here for you. My doors are always open and not one of you are orphaned, you always have family. Sending much love and hugs. Bobby, Paula Rae and family
To Mrs. Sheldon’s family, I’m very sorry for your loss. I wanted to offer you some comfort that I’ve found in the Bible. In John 11:25 Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” It’s my hope that you can draw comfort and strength from this promise that we can see the loved ones we have lost again. (John 5:28,29)