Zoe (Shelhamer) Shomate

Zoe Shelhamer Shomate, 95, died after a prolonged illness on Monday, May 7th, 2018.  She had most recently been a resident of an assisted living facility in Oceanside, California.

The daughter of Lester and Bertha Howell Shelhamer, Zoe was born on May 18, 1922.  She was raised on a farm in North Centre Township and attended the local schools there.  Zoe then attended Bloomsburg High School, graduating in 1940.  She received her bachelor's degree in home economics from Mansfield State Teacher's College in 1944.

While American soldiers were still engaged in World War II, Zoe went from her college graduation to enlist in the WAVES, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, United States Navy.  She served her country until the end of the war on the air training facility at Norman, Oklahoma.  She met a handsome MP at the base, married him and eventually moved with him to his hometown of Santa Ana, California.  It would be the beginning of her love for the West, which never left her.

Zoe retained her ties with the military throughout her life.  She moved to the desert where she spent many years as a school teacher for the children of military families on the naval base at China Lake, California.

Following her retirement, Zoe married again, opening a new chapter in her life with spouse, Howard Shomate.  The two settled in Carlsbad, California, where they built a beautiful home, which they enjoyed for many years until Howard's death in 1997.

Through the years, Zoe crisscrossed the United States by car and plane many times returning to this area to visit friends and family.  She had a love of travel and made many trips abroad.  In turn, any relative or friend traveling within the vicinity of her home was a welcomed guest.  Zoe relished the role of hostess and tour guide.  Her travels were the source of many entertaining stories.

Zoe was a member of the Carlsbad Community Church, participating in various mission trips and programs.

Zoe is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Jean Shelhamer Bowman and her husband, Bruce; Dorothy Shelhamer Stiner and her husband, Fred; and Zoe's husband, Howard Shomate. 

Surviving are her brother, Kent Shelhamer and his wife, Mary, Berwick, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 21st, 2018 at 11 AM at the Ebenezer United Methodist Church on Rte. 93, North Centre Township, Berwick.  Interment will be in the New Ebenezer Cemetery.  Friends may visit Monday from 10 AM until the time of the Service at 11 at the Church. 

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