Passed away on May 21, 2010

Shelby J. Perkins, age 20, of Black River Falls and La Crosse died unexpectedly on Friday, May 21, 2010 in La Crosse. Shelby Joanne Perkins was born on November 12, 1989 in Black River Falls to Kelly C. and Peggy J. (Sanborn) Perkins. She was raised in the Black River Falls area and graduated, with honors, from Black River Falls High School. She had been employed as a waitress at Flying J’s Travel Plaza of Black River Falls. Following her high school graduation, Shelby moved to La Crosse where she first worked at Perkin’s and then at Applebee’s. She also was currently enrolled as an online university student, studying for her college degree. Shelby had the distinction of becoming the first “Miss Hatfield” in 2005. She enjoyed Facebook and computer skills and spending time with her friends and family, especially her niece, Lauryn Kelly. Survivors include her parents, Kelly and Peggy Perkins of Black River Falls; 3 sisters, Shannon (Jerry) Villarreal of Corpus Christi, TX, and Audrey Perkins and Faith (Nick) Hanson both of Black River Falls; 2 brothers, Matthew and Eric Perkins both of Black River Falls; paternal grandparents, Murle and Evelyn Perkins of Black River Falls; 3 uncles, Murle Perkins III, Jeff Perkins, and Brad (Susan) Sanborn all of Black River Falls; an aunt, Darla (Dennis) Susa of Chili, WI; nieces and nephews, Storm Villarreal, Lauryn Kelly, Owen Hanson, and Kaylan Hanson; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Audrey Sowle and Darryl Sanborn, and uncles, Frank Perkins and Gary Sanborn. Funeral services for Shelby J. Perkins will be held at 3 P.M. on Monday, May 24, 2010 at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. The Rev. Greg Bernacchi will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in a grave adjacent to Shelby’s uncle, Frank Perkins,in the Forest Cemetery at Aitkin, MN. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 1 to 3 P.M. on Monday, May 24, at the Buswell Funeral Home. Immediately following the 3 P.M. funeral service, friends and family members are also invited to the upper level of the main shelter at Lunda Park for lunch and supportive fellowship. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com