Written by Sharon Pello
I was born on February 13, 1945 while my father, Herbert Rhodenhamel, was fighting in Germany. My mother, Dorothy Whiting Rhodenhamel, and I waited for his return while living with my grandparents; George and Annie Whiting.
I had a fairly normal childhood; enjoying Girl Scouts and playing with the neighborhood kids. I attended Sunday School regularly at the Methodist Church in Grass Valley and will be forever grateful for the kindness of the women who directed my religious education. I joined Job’s Daughters Bethel (102) and had the privilege of becoming Honored Queen. The Job’s trainings have greatly influenced my purpose and view in life.
Education took me from Hennessy to Grant and Union Hill, leading to my graduation from Nevada Union High School in 1962. At that time, I decided I was grown-up and got a job. My second job was with Mother Lode Bank, which was my beginning to long term employment in banking and accounting. When I entered my late 30’s, I decided furthering my education would be of value. I began attending night school at Sierra College and continued my education through Sacramento State University where I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling. I began my career working with domestic violence survivors and ended my career working for Placer County with the population of adults who struggled with mental illness. This job was a joy to me as I was able to assist this population in finding stability in their lives. An unexpected diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure forced me into retirement to focus on my health.
Of course I had a personal life as well. I married and had two children, Laura Pello and Ernst Pello Jr. My children have provided the light by which I grow. After my divorce, I met my partner of 33 years, Diana Peters. We have built a beautiful life together in Auburn, CA. We have traveled to many places throughout our years together and find great happiness in time spent with family as well.
Congestive Heart Failure has ruled my older years. I was fortunate to join a Buddhist meditation group which has provided me with great growth in my thinking and beliefs. Although I would be delighted to see my family’s lives develop, I take great pleasure in all of the moments I’ve been present for.
– SP
Sharon Pello passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 14th, 2025, one day after her 80th birthday and 7 months after losing her partner, Diane Peters, to a sudden and severe form of Leukemia. Sharon was a medical miracle, as described by her vast team of doctors. She was a fighter by all definitions and survived years longer than expected. She was fortunate to have moved to Grass Valley after the passing of her partner, where she spent her remaining months soaking in an abundance of love and shared moments everyday with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A chapter in our lives we will hold close to our hearts. Sharon is survived by Pamela Brown (sister), Joel Brown (nephew), Laura Pello (daughter), Benjamin White (son-in-law), Ernest Pello (son), Leang Pello (daughter-in-law), Trevor White (grandson), Kino Servin (grandson-in-law), Kelsey Scott (granddaughter), Conor Scott (grandson-in-law), Rucker Scott (great-grandson), Riley Scott (great-grandson) Riley Scott (Great-Grandson), and Baker *Boomer* Scott (great-grandson). And of course her beloved Sangha Sister’s; Judith DeCamp, Maeve Hassett, Alison Sweetser and Laurie Vandiver.
