Sheila Pamela May Valles

Sheila Pamela May Bonham Valles of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023, in her home after a brief battle with COPD. She died with her family at her side. Sheila was born in Peterborough, England to Frederick and Margaret Bonham on June 25, 1935. She grew up with two older brothers Jim and Fred, and her younger brother Pete. Her father was an engineer on the British Railway and her mother worked as a waitress. Sheila learned early on the importance of a strong family bond and instilled this in her own family throughout her life. Sheila attended Walton Primary School in Peterborough, England, and excelled in spelling, reading, and running track. Sheila lived through World War II from five to ten years of age. Her experience of war firmly established her belief in the sanctity of life, overcoming scarcity, the love of family, and the values of empathy, resourcefulness, and compassion. She was married in 1956 and emigrated to the United States a year later where she made a home in California. Sheila raised four children and was steadfast in her commitment to providing a loving home and serving as a role model. Her inner strength was unbreakable. Over the years, she made untold sacrifices for her family. Sheila was a certified nurse’s aide for over 35 years and retired from Upland Convalescent Hospital in 1998. She worked tirelessly to provide her patients with comfort and ensure they retained their dignity while ill. She epitomized the commandment “Love Thy Neighbor”, never refusing to help someone in need. Sheila enjoyed gardening and had the proverbial “Green Thumb”. She created beautiful garden spaces for us all to enjoy. She also loved to knit and gifted her work freely to family and friends. Her contribution to the Bonham family genealogical record and history was immense. Sheila exemplified the values of perseverance, hard work, honesty, loyalty, compassion, and patience and had a spine of steel. Sheila’s grandchildren were integral to her life, and she considered each one a huge blessing. Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, and son-in-law Jeffrey Lloyd. She is survived by her old age companion Manuel Valles, daughter Michelle Runyan (Roger) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, son Peter Valles of The Woodlands, TX, daughter Jacqueline Lloyd of Upland, CA, son Stuart Valles (Michelle) of Riverside, CA, Grandchildren Amanda Navar (Raymond), Joshua Runyan (Jessenia), Emilie Poe (Jarrett), Hannah-Kathryn Valles, David Valles, Cassidy Valles, Lauren Valles, Mark Valles and Great-grandchildren Ezekiel, Jacob and Olivia Navar, Piper, Audrey and Luke Poe, and her loyal dog Toby.

The family will host a viewing/celebration of life on November 27th @5pm at Stone Funeral Home:

355 E 9th St. Upland, CA 91786

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A private burial to follow November 28th @Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Pomona, CA.