Valla Shalz

Valla Shalz passed away on August 28, 2022.  Her family surrounded her at her home when she was called to the heavenly realm.  She was seventy six years old.  Valla was preceded in death by her parents Nona Marguerite Kellogg, Wilson Kellogg, step sister Sharon Ann, and step mother Shirley Kellogg.  She is survived by her husband Jack B. Shalz, sons Dustin, Scott, and Matt shalz, brother Robert Kellogg, sisters Donna Smith and Cathy Fautin, and her eight amazing grand children.

Born to Wilson and Nona Marguerite Kellogg on September 25 of 1945, Valla and her twin sister Donna joined their brother Robert in Boise Idaho.  Valla attended Boise High followed by Boise Junior College with her studies including language arts and theater.  At the age of sixteen she lost her mother to illness and the family later grew with the addition of Shirley Kellogg and her daughters Sharon Ann and Cathy.  In 1968 Valla married Jack B. Shalz of Boise and they would have three sons together.  As the family grew in numbers and size Valla spent time as a homemaker for the children's early years.  She was an excellent cake decorator and she created beautiful silk floral arrangements for many weddings and functions.  At the age of forty Valla would return to college to get a teaching degree at NNC  where she graduated with honors.  She used her degree to teach first grade for twelve years.  Her passion for writing was combined with a yearning for better children’s stories, and she has some written works waiting to be published.  A gifted poet and writer, it did not surprise the family when she won an award and publications with Idaho Magazine.  Valla would continue to refine her craft of writing with her blog online at lamppostministries.com where she offered Bible based inspiration in tough situations.  She enjoyed music and was a gifted piano player.  For her 70th birthday she was presented with a drum set which she claimed she had always wanted.  She favored a jazz style of percussion and played with vigor.  Through the years she would stay very close to her brother and sisters whom she loved very deeply.  One of her greatest gifts was the ability to see beauty and treasure in simplicity and the nature around her.  She could inspire a child like wonder and would encourage everyone to find that one special treasure in their day.  The treasure of seeing a particular bird or rainbow, a kind gesture or the smell of the forest after a rainfall. Being a grandmother was a thrill for her; all of her grandchildren call her Nonnie, a name she absolutely loved being called and it was a privilege for her to pour her love out to them. Valla was not afraid to give advice when asked, and you could expect a straight forward answer...no sugar coating.  But, she was blessed with wisdom and the ability to relay that wisdom in a meaningful way.  Jesus is her savior and she became outspoken in proclaiming God as the Heavenly Father.   Valla would tell you her greatest joy and personal accomplishment was her family whom she gave her all to.  She will be missed dearly.

A celebration of her earthly life will be held on September 7, 2022  at 1:00PM at Grace Bible Church 4262 N. Eagle Rd.  Boise, Id.  83713