Shalah (Mills) Perkins, at the age of 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17 ^th , at the Springfield Hospital surrounded by friends and family.

Shalah was born November 13 ^th , 1939 in Del Norte, CO.  At the age of 2, she moved with her parents, Herman and Dorothy Mills, and sisters Karen and Marilyn, to a farm southeast of Walsh.  Shalah attended grade school at Konantz and High School at Walsh.

She married Jess Perkins on September 23 ^rd , 1956.  In 1958, they purchased the home ranch from Jess' parents, Nat & Ruth Perkins.

They had a life of love and adventure on the ranch, and began to build family along with their herd of cattle.

They had 2 daughters, Natalie, born December 3 ^rd , 1958 & Kelly, born April 25 ^th , 1961.

In 1980, Shalah developed cancer and was limited to the amount of physical labor she could do for a period of time.  So, she picked up the clay as a pastime and began a new career.  Overtime this turned into a full time business and she began to do shows to present her work to the public.  As she branched out and began to do shows farther away, Jess began to travel with her.

Each time they did a show they came home and realized what a wonderful life they had.

Shalah is known widely for her western and contemporary-Christian sculptures and poetry.  Her pieces can be seen internationally, including in Germany and Africa; from Canada to Mexico, and from California to Georgia.

In addition, she's known by close friends and family as a woman who loved to sing, had a tremendous humor, was determined to get a job done, and who loved her babies.  She passed on her legacy to see God's beauty in everything around us, and to give God the glory in the all the work we do.  It was her greatest desire that all of her grandchildren, down each generation, would come to know the Lord.

Shalah was preceded in peace by her parents, Herman & Dorothy Mills, and her daughter, Natalie Bursch.

She is survived by her husband, Jess; daughter, Kelly Alley and her husband Dana; son-in-law, Royce Bursch; sisters, Karen Nicodemus & Marilyn Mundell; 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends and family.

She has been greatly cherished.  And will be equally missed.