Nancy Ann Watkins

Nancy Watkins, a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and independent spirit, passed away peacefully November 23rd, 2024. She was born February 4th, 1947, in San Francisco, California to Frances Marie Griffin Cordell and Storey (Tex) Bonner Cordell.

Nancy was raised in Piercy, California, along Highway 101 on a large and unique property known as “The Snake Pit”. She shared many fond memories of caring for numerous wild animals at her childhood home, alongside her siblings, Frank, Carol and Ida where the family would care for bears, monkeys, wild cats, reptiles, etc. Some of the stories she told about her childhood were “wild” which incidentally was a favorite word she often used.

Nancy was truly a product of the free-spirited ‘60’s, embracing the era’s openness and creativity. She loved camping, boating and all outdoor activities including exploring the grounds in the desert for rocks. This was a gift that was passed down through generations of her family. She obtained her Pilot license and scuba license amongst many other certificates of accomplishment. 

In January 1967 she married Bert Watkins and they had two children, Tina Hansen and Scott Watkins. Though their marriage ended in divorce several years later, their enduring love ultimately brought them back together leading to their remarriage. The two were inseparable until Berts death in 2006. 

Nancy was tenacious and strong-willed. She had overcome many adversities in her lifetime and established a home in Scenic, Arizona where she lived out the last 25 years. Her memory will be treasured by her family, including children Tina Hansen and Scott Watkins (Lori), sister Ida (Kari) Weekes and Ken, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A private service will be held to honor Nancy’s life, with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice celebrating the spirit of compassion and hope. Please leave condolences and memories at www.starmortuary.com