Sharon Rose Allen an icon of the Humboldt County community passed away on Thursday, September 3rd, 2015, in her home town of Winnemucca, Nevada. Sheri as she was more affectionately known throughout the community was born on October 15th, 1941, to George and Margaret Smith in Winnemucca, Nevada.
Sheri lived her entire life in Winnemucca; a town she truly loved. She was proud of being a fifth generation Winnemuccan. Sheri attended school in Winnemucca and graduated from Humboldt County High School in 1959.
After graduation Sheri married and had three children Mark, Joyce, and Mike.
Sheri was a devoted public servant for more than 49 years. Sheri served as the Director of Libraries for Humboldt County for 41 years. A post she held until her passing. In fact, it is believed that Sheri was one of if not the longest serving public servants in the State. Over her tenure, Sheri was the visionary and passion behind transforming the Humboldt County library system into what it is today. Under Sheri’s direction the library was transformed from a single room in the courthouse to a robust system with multiple sites throughout the county, a bookmobile and a technologically advanced library capable of bringing up-to- date publications, books, and other services to the people of the community she loved.
In addition to her work as librarian, Sheri helped create and was a member of some of the community’s most prolific community and service organizations. Sheri held many leadership positions on a number of boards and actively participated with many organizations. Nearly 30 years ago, Sheri and close friend Linda Dufurrena founded the Shooting the West Photography Symposium; one of the West’s best-known photography events to date. Additionally, Sheri had many hobbies including reading, gardening, and photography.
Sheri’s hard work, professionalism, and her community activism brought her many awards and recognitions. Sheri was even named Woman of The Year. In 1993 Sheri was named Librarian of the Year by the State of Nevada. Moreover, her efforts and work throughout the community has helped create the community as we know it today.
Sheri was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Mimi, as she is known by her family, was dedicated and loving to her entire family. Mimi was the matriarch to her large family and often spent time enjoying her extended family including her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other family members.
Sheri is preceded in death by her Mother Margret Smith and her father George Smith. Sheri is survived by her Son Mark Allen (Don Dalton) of Sacramento, CA, daughter Joyce (Vince) Mendiola of Winnemucca, son Mike Allen (Michele Jacobson) of Winnemucca. Grandchildren Chelsea (Taua) Cabatbat, Louis Mendiola, Aaron Allen, and Amber Allen. Great grandchildren Txendoa and Kea Cabatbat. Siblings Gay Lynn Miller and Tommy (Ana Marie) Smith and Melissa Smith, multiple nieces, nephews and other family members.
A memorial service was held at the Humboldt County Museum on Tuesday September 8th . In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Humboldt County Library are requested in her name.
