Velora Shilts

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin – Velora Shilts, age 83, passed away peacefully Monday, July 17, 2006 in her home in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She was surrounded by her family. Val was born on May 26, 1923 in Langlade County, Wisconsin. Val is the daughter of David and Odelia Perkie, who owned and operated a tavern/restaurant. After her family’s home burned down her senior year in high school, Val left school to help care for her family. She has three brothers, Norbert (Allie), Sonny, and Elmer (Violet) Perkie and four sisters, Cordy (Alan) Hoyt, Anita Miller, Pat Reed, and Bim Bricco (Al). Her family moved to Milwaukee, WI to open and operate a restaurant. It was there, working as a waitress, where she met her husband Milton Shilts. They were married June 30, 1951. They had three children Juanita (Bill) Zitnick, Sandy Cesar, and Dale (Sherene) Shilts. Val spent many years working for AC Spark Plug. She met her best friend Mary there. She later worked at Chrysler where she was very active with the union. She was always fighting for her rights and the rights of others. After living in different cities she settled in Cecil, WI. She remained there ten years until her health brought her to Sun Prairie where she was closer to her family. There she became a member of the Open Door Church. Val was feisty, funny, stubborn, and very creative, making many beautiful crocheted afghans and ceramics. These items to this day are cherished by so many of her family and friends. Val also enjoyed a good card game, and an occasional trip to the casino. Val was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Elmer, whom she had a special relationship with. Val is survived by all of her siblings except for Elmer. Her children are Juanita, Sandy, and Dale. The seven grandchildren are Malina (Kenton) Perez, Kurtis Cesar (Jamie), Kim (James) Ackley, Lori (Steve) Weekes, Emily (Matt) Holtan, Mandy Shilts, and Niles Shilts. The four great grandchildren are Ragina, Lukeus, Nathan Perez, and Hayleigh Ackley. Her grand and great grandchildren were the light of her life. She is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at the All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 4058 Lien Rd. Madison. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, in Edson Township on Friday July 21, 2006 at 1:00 P.M. A special thanks to Elder Care and most recently Hospice Care. The care provided to our dear Val will never be forgotten.