Obituary: Shirley Gail (nee Heany) Wilson

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Shirley Gail (nee Heany) Wilson passed away on June 26, 2010 after suffering a heart attack. Shirley was born on Sept. 16, 1920, and grew up in Sparks. She graduated from Sparks High School and the University of Nevada, Reno in 1943 with a B.A. degree in education. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

In 1943 she married Major Robert E. Cameron, a career Marine aviator. Shirley accompanied him to many of his duty stations until his tragic and untimely death in Hawaii in 1958. He was a lieutenant colonel at the time of his death.

After Bob's death Shirley and her son returned to Reno where she took up a career as a travel agent, working for Durkee Travel for 25 years and Kilbys Travel for 10 years.

In 1973 she married Walter C. Wilson, a native Nevadan, and they continued to make their home in Reno, traveling extensively. Walter passed away in 2006.

After her retirement, Shirley spent many hours volunteering at the National Automobile Museum and the Washoe County Library.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Virginia Ardans and Barbara (Bobbie) Kazebier.

Shirley is survived by her son, Robert Cameron, her granddaughters Rebecca Cahall (husband Fitz) and Amanda Sklad (husband Steven), and daughters-in-law Catherine Oliver and Donna Cameron. She also has stepchildren Calvin Wilson (wife Sue), Cindy Byington (husband Bob) and Devon Parke (husband Rob).

No service is planned. The family asks that those who wish may make a donation to the National Automobile Museum in Reno. Anyone wishing to contact the family may do so to Bob Cameron, PO Box 1053, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walton Funeral Home in Reno.

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