Nancy Ann Noble

Nancy Ann Noble (née Skinner), 85, made her journey to heaven on December 17, 2020, where she is now eternally in the loving embrace of her husband, Bill, who had been waiting there for her since they parted on Valentine’s Day 2000.

Born on June 25, 1935 in Spokane, WA, Nan was the cherished daughter of Leroy and Sadie Skinner, and younger sister to Richard (“Dick”). After graduating from Ritzville High School in 1953, she studied at Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane, WA. It was during this time that she met her husband, William Harvey Noble, at a dance while he was stationed at Fairchild AFB. The couple later relocated to the greater Seattle area where they raised their two children, Susan Carol and William Hamilton.

Nancy was a woman of boundless talent who seemingly effortlessly excelled in many areas of life. Ahead of her time, Nan balanced her role as a wife and mother with a management career in Data Administration at Weyerhaeuser during a time when the technology industry was almost entirely male dominated. After retiring in 1994, she and her husband resettled in Ritzville, WA and, to expand on their passion for travel that had already taken them to many places around the globe, they became snowbirds; spending the fair-weather months at home surrounded by family while exploring the US in their RV the remainder of the year. Later, they moved to Apache Junction, AZ full-time where Nancy became a successful local artisan and attended many juried art and craft shows in the Southwest. Her gourd art, handcrafted dolls, and other decorative pieces grace the homes of many fans of her detailed and highly skilled work. In addition to her artistry, Nancy was a gifted musician and singer. Belonging to the Sweet Adeline Chorus for many years, Nan’s friends and family benefitted greatly from her musical ability.

Nancy held many interests throughout her life. She had a keen eye for antique collecting and styled her home impeccably with numerous prized pieces passed down through the family or collected over the years as she and Bill explored small shops in towns near and far. Nancy was also a gracious host who loved to entertain and have the opportunity to use her cooking skills to prepare a delicious menu. After making their home in Arizona, Bill and Nancy treasured the chance to gather with their friends every afternoon at 4pm for “tea time”, at which gatherings never appeared a drop of tea but were always overflowing with abundant laughter, stories, and games. But it was not just people that Nancy cherished; as a woman of faith, she also adored all of God’s creatures and was an ardent supporter of her local animal shelter where she rescued (and lovingly spoiled) two feline companions over the years.

Nancy is survived by her brother, Dick (Mary) Skinner; daughter, Sue (David) Inks; son, Bill Noble; granddaughter, Kristi (Robert) Richert (née Hobler); and many cousins, extended family members, and beloved friends. Always a nurse at heart, at her request, there will be no memorial service due to public health concerns during the pandemic. Her ashes will be scattered with her husband’s over the Superstition Mountains by her children. Remembrances may be sent to East Valley Hospice, 2152 S. Vineyard Ave, Building 117, Suite 200, Mesa, AZ 85210.