Bernice Winifred Sheldon, 86, a resident of Carson City since 1978, passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 29, 2011.
Bernice was born to Vern and Ruth Pugh Ketner on Dec. 6, 1924, in Terre Haute, Ind. Bernice was the lifelong love, companion, and partner of John H Sheldon. They were married March 20, 1945, in Detroit, Mich., after meeting in Southern California where John was stationed at the end of WWII. When they decided to permanently leave Michigan in 1947, they left Detroit with nothing but $600 in their pockets on an Indian Motor Cycle. While John worked as an airline mechanic Bernice was the bookkeeper and accountant for several businesses. Together in 1958 they founded Omneco, Inc., an aerospace manufacturer, which they operated for 32 years. Bernice and John moved the business to Carson City in 1978 to become one of the early pioneers in the Carson City manufacturing community. As with all things, Bernice and John together, were involved in many Carson City community clubs and associations including being active supporters of the Western Nevada College, a member of the WNC Foundation board, Carson City Rotary, Northern Nevada Live Steamers, Order of Founders and Patriots and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband, John H. Sheldon on March 15, 1999. Bernice is survived by her sons, Gene (Marian) Sheldon, Bart Sheldon, and Bret Sheldon, all of Carson City; grandsons Jeremy Sheldon, Jerrad Sheldon, Derek Sheldon, John C. Sheldon, Jay Sheldon and Jacob Sheldon, all of Carson City and granddaughter Kourtny Sheldon of Las Vegas.
A private interment for the family is to be held. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the "Bernice Sheldon Scholarship Fund" at Western Nevada College.
This summer a memorial / celebration of life is to be held to commemorate the scattering of the ashes of John and Bernice Sheldon in the mountains, which they both loved so dearly.