Sheila Diane Pontius (Austin)
May 17, 1948 - May 11, 2021
Sheila Diane Pontius (Austin), one of Fallon’s favorite former businesswomen, passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2021 after a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was the eldest daughter of the late Erb and Dottie Austin, devoted wife of Ernest Lee Pontius for more than 50 years, happy big sister to Colleen Palludan, loving Auntie to her nieces and nephews, and a cherished friend to everyone who knew her.
Sheila was born in Reno, NV on May 17, 1948 and was a little girl when her family moved to Fallon to manage/own Austin’s Funeral Home. As the salutatorian of Churchill County High School, class of 1966, Sheila went on to graduate from the University of Nevada in Reno after she and Ernie spent time in Germany where he served with the U.S. Air Force. Sheila’s Lady Faire clothing store became a popular hub where friends and family could stop by and catch up with one another and share a warm smile and a little good news. She loved a good party and lived by one of her favorite quotes: “Love is the greatest gift we are given to share.” And she shared that boundless love with Ernie and all of her friends and family. She loved, to travel, Chocolate, Elvis, all things from the 50’s, Cabo San Lucas and a good margarita, heart shaped jewelry, and even an old elephant named Bertha!
Memorial services will be held at the Laura Mills Park Gazebo on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 1:30 pm. Interment will follow at the Fallon Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life reception at the Twisted Branch Event Center at 355 W. 1st Street, Fallon, Nevada, after the services conclude.
Donations may be made in Sheila’s name to one of her favorite entities: The Churchill Arts Council, The Churchill County Museum, or Churchill Animal Protection Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home in Fallon. (775) 423-2255.