Nancy Jill Skeen Mulder, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and unwavering optimism.

Born on February 26, 1939, in Plain City, Utah, to Frank and Mabel Skeen, Nancy was the cherished first daughter after two older brothers, Jim and Roger. She found joy in her large family, adoring her three younger brothers, Doug, Tracy, and Paul. But one of the happiest moments of her life was at age 15 when "the twins" were born—finally answering her prayer for a baby sister. Pam became her lifelong best friend.

Nancy always described her childhood as perfect, filled with farm life, sneaking kittens into the basement to nurture them, and the love of a mother who made her feel beautiful. She had a zest for life from an early age and carried that spirit through everything she did.

In high school, Nancy thrived as a cheerleader and performer, always surrounded by dear friends. She had a kindness that endeared her to many and a voice that lit up any room. Music was her passion, and she often composed songs while working in the beet fields, sharing them with her brother Tracy. Although she did not love hoeing beets, she endured it with dreams of attending BYU, where she fully embraced every opportunity to sing, hike, and build lifelong friendships. She was a member of the prestigious BYU Acapella Choir, participated in the BYU Program Bureau (Young Ambassadors), and made her mark in the Miss America pageant system, winning Miss Malheur County and the talent portion of the Miss Oregon competition with her stunning operatic performance of Adele's Laughing Song.

In 1960, Nancy married a talented pianist whose sophistication and ambition swept her from her small-town life in Nyssa into an exciting new chapter, as they moved to Michigan for graduate school. There, they welcomed their first child, Anthony Skeen (Tony), in 1961. Nancy was thrilled to be the mother of this precious boy.

After her husband earned his doctorate degree, they moved to Eugene, Oregon, where they opened a private practice and settled into family life.

In 1966, Nancy gave birth to her daughter Catherine Elizabeth while at a surprise visit to her family in Nyssa for Thanksgiving. All of Nancy's siblings were there to support her.

A few years later, Nancy embraced adventure and resilience, moving to Hawaii as a single mother, where she worked in hotel management before returning to BYU to complete her degree in elementary education with her two children in tow.

In 1970, Nancy married the love of her life, John Paul Mulder, a dedicated and accomplished attorney and judge. Together, they built a life filled with shared adventures, companionship, and deep devotion for one another.

In their final years together, Nancy and John's bond deepened even further, as they found themselves falling in love all over again, cherishing each moment with a newfound appreciation for each other.

Nancy and John met at a Stake meeting—she was singing, and he was speaking. The moment she heard his voice, she described it as music playing, a harmony that would shape the rest of her life. They shared a deep love for nature, breathtaking scenery, and the joy of creating beautiful homes filled with warmth and love.

Together, they created "Fort Nancy" in their dream home in Oregon before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they raised their beloved "Golden Child," Michael Skeen, born in 1975.

Their homes were always a reflection of Nancy's warmth and love—places where laughter echoed, traditions thrived, and every gathering felt like a celebration. From late-night tea parties where buttered crackers became a fine dining experience, to extravagant Sunday dinners served with her signature Spinach Soup on elegant colored glass and silverware, to carefree nights of family skinny-dipping in the heated Arizona pool, Nancy had a rare gift for turning everyday moments into cherished memories.

Nancy found deep joy and comfort in her homes, seeing them not just as places to live, but as sanctuaries of love, beauty, and security. She often said that her wood floors smiled at her each morning, a reflection of the deep connection she had with the spaces she so carefully created and cherished.

An extrovert who could light up any room, Nancy was a born performer and nurturer. She channeled her love of music and the arts into starting Star Spangled Kids, a children's performing group reminiscent of her BYU performing days. This was a highlight of her middle years. Her true calling!

She was a natural teacher throughout her life, spending time as a schoolteacher and later as a substitute teacher, where she especially loved filling in for the band. Teaching wasn't just a job for her—it was a part of who she was, always finding moments to share knowledge and inspire those around her, especially children.

Nancy had an unparalleled ability to make everyone feel seen and important. Her love of adventure led her to hike mountains, swim in ice-cold lakes, and soak in hot jacuzzis for hours. Nancy had a magical touch with plants, making anything grow, but it was her roses—vibrant, full, and breathtaking—that truly reflected the beauty and care she poured into everything she nurtured.

Nancy had her own set of rules, a deep belief in the spirit of the law, and a favorite saying for every situation:

● "Remember who you are."

● "Roll with the punches."

● "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well."

● "Give it the old college try" and

● "Just keep chippin'."

Throughout her life, she remained devoted to her family, offering unwavering support. She was the listening ear during difficult times, the cheerleader celebrating triumphs, and the warm embrace when comfort was needed. She was the glue that held the family together, creating traditions that will live on for generations.

Nancy's life was marked by resilience, adventure, love, and a commitment to making every person she met feel special. She is survived by her husband John, her children, Tony (Chiapin), Catherine (Todd), and Michael (Summer), her sister Pam (Paul), her brothers Tracy (MaryAnn) and Paul (Merlyn), and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones who will forever carry her light within them.

Her final years were spent in Saint George, Utah, and later at Legacy Village of Provo, where she continued to bring joy to those around her. Up until her last moments, she was surrounded by love, just as she had always made others feel throughout her extraordinary life.

Nancy Jill Skeen Mulder leaves behind a world that was made brighter by her presence. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of her beautiful life will be held at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home in Orem, Utah on March 1. While she always marveled at the beauty of flowers, the family asks that you honor Nancy's legacy by singing a song out loud, going on an adventure, or making someone feel like the most special person in the world—just as she always did.

to view the services for Nancy online please click here www.walkersanderson.com