Virginia “Jo” SchellinDecember 23, 1925 - December 7, 2013

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and activities coordinator, Jo Schellin. Jo passed away peacefully December 7, 2013, at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Pompeys Pillar, Montana on December 23, 1925. Her family moved to Billings, Montana, for the city life, where she attended Billings High School. She left Montana as a young woman and eventually ended up in Reno, Nevada (1952) where she went to work for the world famous Harold’s Club Casino. She was part of the landscape and action there for 33 years. Jo’s work at Harold’s Club and working with the Harold’s Club Pioneers group were some of her life’s greatest joy. She led a task force of Pioneers that were successful in getting a bronze bust of Harold’s founder, R.L. “Pappy” Smith, on the Truckee River Walk, and she was also involved with the Pioneers group that salvaged the iconic ceramic mural that adorned the entire front of the Harold’s Club building before it was demolished in 1995. The mural was resurrected on the south side of the Reno Livestock Event Center, home of the Reno Rodeo. Other highlights were the Harold’s Club’s first ambassadors of bowling and fanfare. To this day, the Pioneers hold monthly meetings and an annual Christmas dinner. Jo, with the help of her dear friend, Dwayne Kling, would emcee this affair, keeping everyone on their toes. Jo was also a member of “The Good Ole Days” group that holds monthly meetings that schedule memorable speakers on how Reno became the “Biggest Little City” in the world. Jo loved to travel…she’d jump in her car and head out for friends and family throughout Montana, Oregon, California and Nevada. In 1997, she built a second home (5plex condominium) in Pahrump, Nevada. The project was called the Reno Connection. Memberships in the Elks and the Red Hat Society also added joy to her life. Many dear friends, that she called family, were the heart and love of her time in Pahrump.Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff Schellin; her sister, Pauline Burdick; brothers, Gordon and Darrell Penner; and grandson, Jeff Schellin. She is survived by sons Mike Schellin (Donna Salvadorini) and Pat Schellin (Carol Bennett); grandchildren Tim Schellin, Scott (Christine) Schellin, Kyle (Michelle) Schellin, and Jana (Tim) Foster; great-grandchildren Jillian and Reagan Foster, Breck and Sophie Schellin, and Michael Schellin; brother, Tom (Wanda) Penner; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jo’s family invites you to attend a “Celebration of Life” on Thursday, December 19 at 11:30 am at the Tamarack Junction (room used for Good Ole Days meetings). In lieu of flowers, please think of someone in need during this Christmas / holiday season…she would have liked that.Arrangements are entrusted to the Walton Funeral Home, Reno.