Our classmate, Sheila Denholm Bates, was born on February 2, 1946, and died on January 11, 2024. She was the daughter of Donald and Mildred Denholm and the sister of Bill Denholm. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama, the University of Minnesota, and Colorado State University where she received her master’s degree in nursing.

Sheila married Reinhard Scharnowski in in 1968 and together, they raised two children—Eric Scharnowski, and an adopted son from India, Ben. Sheila and Reinhard were married for 35 years.

Vocationally, Sheila taught chemistry and math in both high school and junior college. Later, after earning a degree in nursing, she worked for fifteen years at Colorado Reproductive Endocrinology. Dr. Sam Alexander, her employer says, “she was my right hand and the de facto head nurse…a valued colleague and friend.” Sheila called this her “dream job.” She attended national meetings of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine where she networked with nurses in the filed from all over the country, made presentations, and held leadership roles. Sheila says of the experience, “Working in infertility was thrilling. To help couples become parents exposed me to so many emotions from aching desire, frustration, tears, and sometimes discomfort. I really felt satisfied most days that I was able to contribute to their goal of creating a family.”

Sheila’s hobbies, particularly while living in Colorado were hiking, biking, and skiing. She loved the Rockies.

On Valentine’s Day, 2006, Sheila married our classmate, Paul Bates, at the home of her best friend, Sandy Sandlin Wynn. Charles Gattis officiated at the service. Living in Huntsville again, she and Paul made a joyful, happy life together. Sheila enjoyed visiting with friends, spending time with Paul, and volunteering in the community. She gave her time as a receptionist at her church, volunteering at the Free Dental Clinic, serving on the board of Maxwell Place where they lived, and working as a nurse for a special needs camp. Together they had thirteen joyful years together, as Paul says, “the happiest of my life.”

Ten years ago, Sheila was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Paul became her devoted care giver. She died of cancer in early 2024. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her adopted son. She is survived by her husband, Paul Bates, son Eric Scharnowski, daughter in law Carina Romer, and granddaughters, Emma, and Camilla.