Carmen V. Perkins

Carmen V. Perkins, 84, of Kimball, died at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Honoring Carmen's wishes, cremation has been held and there will be no services. Friends may visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to view her tribute wall to leave condolences and stories for the family. The services for Carmen have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Carmen Velma Perkins was born in Ortiz, Colorado, on October 6, 1935, the daughter of Joseph and Bertha (Clay) Salazar. She moved with her family at an early age to Kimball. Carmen attended country school east of Kimball. She then attended St. Patrick's Academy in Sidney and then Sacred Heart Academy and graduated in 1953. She received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from Eastern Oregon State College. She also received 2 PhDs, one from North Western University and another from the University of Virginia.

Carmen taught for 33 years in grades K-6 and 2 years as assistant professor. Carmen taught at many schools over her career, including schools in Nebraska, Alaska, Canada, Australia, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota and finally ended her career at an Inner City Magnet School in Washington, D.C.

Writing books was her joy, she focused on children's literature. Carmen firmly believed that the elimination of self is the key to happiness. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and faithfully believed her faith.

Survivors include her children Richard (Nida) Mann, David (Elsie) Fernandez, Phillip Mann, Fred (Angie) Fernandez, Chico Fernandez, Tom (Merryellen) Price and Regina Mann-Richmond; many brothers and sisters and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hugh Perkins and sons Robert Fernandez and Michael and Matthew Mann.