Sheila Ruth Bohlender

Born in Racine, Wisc., April 2, 1942, the daughter of Clarence and Bertha Dunn, she moved in 1958, with her mother, to Phoenix where she graduated from Central High School. In high school she excelled at baton twirling and was a budding violinist, beginning her lifelong love of music. She was married to William Willis in 1960 and the couple had four children. She was a stay-at-home mom but began a career with United Bank in Phoenix in the 1970s. In 1984, Sheila moved to Flagstaff as a secretary for the dean of Creative Arts at Northern Arizona University. Then divorced, she met and married Larry Bohlender, a journalism instructor at NAU, in 1985. The couple moved to California, in 1987 where Sheila became the revenue supervisor for the Orange County Transit Authority, a position which brought her great enjoyment as well as professional pride. Running at the beach and country line dancing were Sheila’s relaxation favorites in California.

In 1993, they returned to Glendale, Arizona, where Larry taught in the English department at Glendale Community College. Sheila worked at Reuter Equipment Co. and later at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union. She retired in 2000 when her illness was in its early stages. She continued to do full-time what always brought her the most joy – praising God; being a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt and a loving and wonderful wife.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Larry; her children, sons Steven Willis (Barbara) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Tim Willis, Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter, Monica Almaguer (Raul), Las Vegas; step-daughters, Debbie Webb and Lori Shirk (Jim), both of Peoria; sister Claire Jacobs (John), Phoenix, and niece Carol Fellars (Ed) of Peoria. Grandchildren are Justin Willis and Ashley Gage (Levi), both of Texas; Tyler and Kyle Willis, Emily and Rachel Almaguer, all of Las Vegas and Matthew Almaguer, of Scottsdale. Step-grandchildren Tyler and Tanner Webb, Lindsey Greenwood and MacKenzie Jung, are all of Peoria. She also has seven great-grandchildren. Her parents, a brother, Jerry, and a son Daniel preceded her in death.

No services are planned, but there will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Lewy Body Association or the Alzheimer’s Association. Many thanks to G & J Personal Care, Lookout Mountain Assisted Living Home, Prime Care Hospice, Dignity Health and www.chapelofthechimesmortuary.com for their caring and professional services.