Sheilah Eral

Apr 16, 1942 -

Oct 4, 2026

Sheilah D. Eral, 84, passed away on Oct. 4, 2026. She was born on April 16, 1942, in Columbia, Mo., to Kenneth Carl and Mary Helen Caldwell.

Sheilah met the love of her life, Thomas Eral, at a college dance in Greeley, Colo. The two were married on July 11, 1964, and together they built a loving family, raising their two children, Mary and Mark. In 1976, they moved to Alaska, where Sheilah continued her passion for teaching.

Throughout her life, Sheilah was devoted to helping, teaching and caring for children. Whether as a big sister, teacher, mother, grandmother or great-grandmother, she made a lasting impact on the lives of those around her. She had a generous heart and kindness with a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and a lifelong passion for reading. In her later years, one of her greatest joys was spending time with her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Sheilah is survived by her daughter, Mary (Robert) Meacham; son, Mark Eral; sisters, Joan (Mark) Metcalf and Jane Shaw; and brother, Bob (Lennie) Bangert. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Ty Meacham, Carly (Tyler) Monica, Nichole Eral, Brian (Skylar) Fite and Dallas Eral; and five beloved great-grandchildren, Axyl Monica, Karlynn Monica, Eden Alvarez, Rose Alvarez and Ina Eral.

Sheilah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Eral; twin brother, Randy Caldwell; brother, Bruce Bangert; father, Kenneth Carl Caldwell; mother, Mary Helen Bangert; and stepfather, Averill Bangert.

A celebration of Sheilah's life will be held at her home, or possibly the community center, in Funny River, Alaska, on July 11, 2027, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Her ashes will be laid to rest at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on July 12, 2027, at 1 p.m. Following the cemetery service, family and friends are invited to attend a second celebration of life at the Eagle River VFW #9785 from 3-7 p.m. Feel free to contact Mary with any questions at 907-351-8943.