Sheila Ann Archard Bonawitz of Shavertown quietly passed away Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Central Vermont Medical Center, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Sheila was born in Kingston on April 11, 1937, the daughter of the late William L. Archard and the late Lillian Richards Archard.
Sheila spent her childhood and life singing. Her love of song was infectious to those who loved her. In her youth, she entertained during minstrel shows and talent competitions including the Welsh Eisteddfod, and she was active in the church choirs and the Glee Club of Kingston High School.
As the eldest, "She" was a loving big sister and a caring role model for her five younger Archard siblings, Diane, Joanne, Bill, Leslie and Linda.
On Oct. 20, 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Evan John Bonawitz. Together, they made their home in Shavertown, raising five children, Kevin, Kim, Kathi, Kelly and Kerrie.
Actively involved in many community organizations in the Back Mountain, Sheila dedicated countless hours as a Boy/Girl Scout Leader and Dallas Junior Women's Club member and president. As the Dallas High School cheerleading coach for more than 20 years, she led DHS to the National Cheerleading Championships numerous times.
Later in life, Sheila enjoyed sharing her musical gift and talents with Changing Habits, an outreach musical ministry singing group.
Preceding Sheila in death, in addition to her parents, was her loving husband of over 50 years, Evan John Bonawitz.
Surviving are her five children, Kevin Bonawitz and wife, Penny, Florida; Kim Turner, California; Kathi Rogers and husband, Carl, Vermont; Kelly Banaszewski and husband, Joe, Pennsylvania; and Kerrie Ardekani and husband, Doc, California.
Shelia loved to travel, visiting her family all over the country. As a way of tracking "Gramma," a game of "Where in the world is Gramma now?" emerged and was played by her children and nine grandchildren, Kara Rogers Nocito, Adam Ashton, Jessica Rogers Mier, Amanda Banaszewski Powers, Erin Bonawitz Roe, Brittany Turner Thurman, Jeremy Banaszewski, Corey Turner and Sean Bonawitz. Shelia, "Nana," treasured each of her sweet "great-grandbabies," Gretchen Mier, Cora Mier, Eden Mier, Graham Ashton and Annalise Roe.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Church of Christ Uniting, South Sprague and Market streets, Kingston. The Rev. Dr. Carol A. Fleming will officiate. Interment will follow in Memorial Shrine Park, Carverton.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Church of Christ Uniting or the Alzheimer's Association Donate to Fight www.act.alz.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My condolences to all my American family on your loss. Sheila will be greatly missed but never forgotten. You will all be in my thoughts this Christmas. Anne (Doris & George) xx
December 13, 2018
Very sorry for your loss Diane
Karl Rittinger
December 11, 2018
Dear Kevin, Kim, Kath, Kelly and Kerrie,
I'm so very sorry to learn of your mom's passing. I have such positive memories of hanging out at your house with all of you-your mom made it such a warm place to visit. I hope it's a comfort to know that she's with your dad now. Wishing you all the very best and would love to catch up soon.
Julie Burke Fariel
December 10, 2018
Sheila, thank you for the memories and the wonderful times we shared together. Thank you for the generosity and love you showed me every time I visited and for the lengthy chats about football and the finer things in life.
Ross Archard
December 10, 2018
Such sad news. A lovely lady !
Condolences from all the family in the U.K.
Colin, Chris, Corey & Ross
Colin Archard
December 10, 2018
I am so sorry to read about Sheila. Many years ago we were in Dallas Jr Women's Club-a lot of fun and interesting activities. My sincere condolences to all the family.
Karla Narkiewicz
December 7, 2018
Sweet dreams, Sheila---Ron & Bev Phillips Spring Hill,Florida
December 6, 2018
She was a good one, sorry to hear.
Mark Cook
December 6, 2018
A dear friend has left us,many hours of volunteer work with the renowned Dallas. jr women's club togetherlesves me with great memories of Shelia.My sincere sympathies to the family.
Jean Hillard
December 6, 2018
So very sorry to hear of your mothers passing.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Judy Gomba
December 6, 2018
Sheila devoted many hours of community service,
Always with her memorable smile.
Mary Griffin
December 6, 2018
My condolences to your family in the loss of your beloved mother Sheila. Our prayers are as yours that God provides his care and comfort for you each day coming forth. Psalms 147 : 3,4 God heals the Brokenhearted.
December 6, 2018
Such a nice lady! I enjoyed working with her.
Kathy (Harris) Brown
December 6, 2018
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Funeral services provided by:
Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc. - Shavertown140 N Main St, Shavertown, PA 18708
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