Sheila Mae, 75, of Gladwin, MI passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023. She was born on June 9, 1947, the daughter of Gene and Arlette (Howell) Thomas in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Sheila loved real estate and antiques as well as gardening in her free time.
In her daughters’ words: Sheila was the smartest, toughest woman we knew. She was a strong advocate for those that couldn't advocate for themselves. She fought to allow my handicapable brother to attend regular school in the 70s, WAY before the word inclusion was even mentioned in public schools. She taught the illiterate to read, the blind to read Braille, and the deaf sign language. That's why we know a little, especially the cuss words. She volunteered with the elderly, providing them comfort, fun, and for the ladies, a little bit of beauty. She believed in education and making sure you had the skills for a successful life which pushed me to earn my AA and BS degrees and multiple certifications. She was an avid reader with a library of books that shadowed mine.
Sheila was a city council member, fighting for our police department, making sure they’d get the benefits and pay they deserve. She was a DIYer on 10 & a realtor for ~ 30 years that's why we kids know a little bit about roofing, painting, electrical, plumbing, flooring, wallpapering, etc. (And why it takes me over an hour to clean a bathroom. Hey, gotta get the place ready to show.) Yes, we were her minions. She also was a board member of this small, non-profit that we started, called the Artist Boat, for a short while. She was very independent which is why she bought and rode her own motorcycle.
We lived in many towns across America - probably why we like to travel and discover new places. Sheila traveled all over the USA calling wherever she lay her head her home. Our home was wherever she was. Love you, Mom! Rest in Peace!
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Tina (Brock) Proctor, Tommy (Valerie) Mitchell, Tony (Bob) Buzzell; grandchildren: Kendra, Wyatt, Dallas, Austin; great-great grandchildren: Hunter and Lauren; brother: Steve Ramser; sisters: Sherry Petrowski, Chris Miller, Charlene Brown, Sandi Blundo, Kathy Carranza; several nieces and nephews; and her special friend: Jack Miller.
Special thank-you to her loyal caregivers Sherrie Trueblood and Nikole Koper.
She is preceded in death by her parents; son: Travis Walker; and sister: Cindy Goff.
Per Sheila’s request, cremation has taken place and no funeral services will be held. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sheila Mae, please visit our flower store.