Nancy Jo Ellett Porter

Nancy Jo Ellett Porter, our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, was called back to her heavenly home on March 20, 2026, in Mesa, AZ. She was 75 years old and was blessed with a gifted, talented, and meaningful life. Some of her gifts were natural; others were developed, but God used her as an instrument to touch lives through friendship, work, and service.

Nancy was born on July 2, 1950, to an incredible pair, Winona B. and David William. Their example of faith and testimony of family runs deep in the veins of hundreds of their posterity. Our mom was no exception. She instilled in us a stalwart faith in Jesus Christ and a joy in the daily living of His gospel.She was raised in Smithfield, UT, alongside two brothers, Mahlon and David, and two sisters, Belva and C.B. Another brother, Parley, who died at birth, has always been a part of their lives. 

Mom attended Summit Elementary, North Cache Jr. High, and Skyview High School in Cache Valley.Her love of music began with piano lessons at the age of seven. Her talents expanded to include a variety of instruments, including viola and violin in the orchestra; French horn, bells, and xylophone in the band; as well as singing in multiple choir groups. She looked forward to playing in the USU summer music camps each year and studying under guest teachers and conductors. Later in life, she accompanied many meetings on the organ at both the ward and stake levels. She was called as a temple organist in the Mesa, AZ Temple and was deeply dedicated, serving there every week for several hours at a time, playing reverently for worshippers seeking respite from the world. As a ward choir director, she would sing, play, and direct all at the same time during practices. It came naturally to her, and we loved watching her at work. Her beautiful soprano voice is no doubt a wonderful addition to the heavenly choirs.Her family was always her top priority. 

After a year-long courtship, she married her sweetheart, Robert (Bob) L. Porter, on April 8, 1971, in the Logan Temple. She attended Utah State University and helped Bob finish his degree as they simultaneously started their family, graduating in 1974 with two children, Heidi and Rob. Mitch joined the family a few years later, completing their family of five. They lived in Logan and Smithfield before eventually moving to Mesa, AZ, in 1983.Fifty-five years of growing together created an incredible foundation for their eternity to come. She lovingly kept track of her growing family, including her three children: Heidi (Brandon) Walsh of Kaysville, Utah; Robert (Rob) William Porter (Brittni Young) of Meridian, ID; and Mitchell Dee Porter (Amy Krummenacher) of Mesa, AZ; as well as her 13 grandchildren and two spouses. She took an interest in their comings and goings and especially enjoyed her pre-game talks with the boys before many Phoenix Suns games. She was an avid fan and knew all the players’ strengths and weaknesses. 

Her exceptionally witty sense of humor and loving heart made it easy for new friends to quickly become lifelong friends. Her ability to connect spirit to spirit was a true gift.Her lifelong hobby was creating original quilts for family and friends. Hundreds of lap-sized quilts were tied, bound, and gifted by her generous hands.She worked harder than anyone I ever met, helping run the family business, Classic Floor Systems, Inc., from 1984 to 2007. For twenty-three years, she was the self-proclaimed Chief Operating Officer, while simultaneously functioning as Chief Financial Officer and the general “woman of all hats,” working behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. They were abundantly blessed to support all three of us as we served missions, completed college, and purchased our first homes. They also enjoyed a residence on the rim in Heber-Overgaard, relishing the fresh mountain air away from the Valley of the Sun. Nancy taught us how to face our trials with faith. She walked her talk and always put her trust in God and, as a result, grew very close to Him during her many health challenges. Being home-bound during the last two years of her life created its obstacles, but with the best caregiver by her side every minute, they made it look easy. Our gratitude to our brave dad will never be enough. His patience and diligence in caring for her cannot be overstated. Their relationship truly transcended this world.She could be quite stubborn with him, but if you thought she was stubborn, you should meet her grandkids! Her tenacity will be remembered, as she truly endured to the end.

Funeral services are pending. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com