Nancy Ann McCorkle

March 1938 – October 2023

Nancy Ann McCorkle was much loved by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed. She led a wonderful life providing to all who knew her an amazing example of how to live with kindness, joy, and dedication to family and community.

Nancy was born in Barron, Wisconsin, in 1938 to George Robert and Bernice Mildred Borum. As a toddler, Nancy moved with her family to Walla Walla, Washington, where she would spend her childhood and much of her adult life. Her family attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for many years.

Nancy contracted polio at a very young age. She survived polio and continued to thrive, graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1956. She was active in the band playing flute and as a captain of the Sponsor’s drill team.

Nancy attended Central Washington College, in Ellensburg, Washington, graduating in 1961. In the fall of her junior year, she met fellow classmate William H. McCorkle. Their first date was to the homecoming dance, where Nancy was crowned homecoming queen. They were married in December of 1961. Their first child, Mark was born in Ellensburg in 1963. Their daughter Krista was born in Walla Walla 3-years later. Nancy was married to Bill for nearly 62 years.

Nancy started her teaching career in Cle Elum, Washington. Then moved back to Walla Walla, Washington, where Nancy taught P.E. and Driver’s Ed at Pioneer Junior High School.

In 1971, Nancy and Bill sold their home and belongings and moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil, for a two-year sabbatical, to teach at Escola Graduada, where Nancy taught 3rd grade, while her husband Bill taught high school science. They took every opportunity to travel throughout South America, visiting nearly every country and unique destination including the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon River, and Machu Picchu. They enjoyed plenty of time on Brazilian beaches ‘camping’ in their 1970 VW Combi.

Nancy and her family returned to Walla Walla. She enjoyed a long successful career at Prospect Point Elementary School, teaching 3rd and 5th grades. Many WA-Hi students benefited from Nancy and Bill’s love of travel. They took numerous student groups to Japan, Europe, and New Zealand.

Nancy retired from teaching in 1996 and together with Bill spent several years “on the road” in their motorhome, travelling all over the east and west coasts of the United States. Nancy especially enjoyed walking the beaches of North Carolina, collecting seashells.

Eventually, they bought a home in Sequim, Washington. Nancy enjoyed cycling every morning and long hours in her beloved flower garden. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal church and very active with the Prayer Quilt group, where she sewed quilts for wounded servicemen and women, and individuals in times of need.

Nancy’s granddaughter Lucienne was born in 2005 and became the light of her life. Nancy cherished her time with Lucienne and all aspects of being a ‘gramma.’ She and “Luci” spent many hours doing puzzles, baking, taking bike rides, and enjoying plenty of goofing-around.

Nancy and Bill moved to Nehalem in 2018 to be closer to Mark and Krista. Nancy continued to enjoy gardening and long walks in Bayside Gardens. Nancy will be remembered by all Krista and Mark’s friends for delicious last-minute dinners and many homemade cookies.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 62 years, William H. McCorkle; her son Mark William McCorkle and his partner of many years Wendy Crosta; her daughter, Krista McCorkle Davis and granddaughter, Lucienne Marie Davis.

A celebration of life is planned for the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Parish, Sequim, Washington, to the Prayer Quilt group. Donations may also be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at the following link: http://act.alz.org/goto/Nancy_McCorkle

For more information or to leave a message for Nancy’s family, visit: Legacy.com https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/mccorkle/nancy

Portia Ellen Watkins

October 18, 1953 – November 2, 2023

Photo courtesy of Portia Watkins family / Portia Ellen Watkins

Long-time Sequim resident Portia Ellen Watkins sadly passed away on November 2, 2023. She was 70.

Portia was born October 18, 1953 in Tucson, Arizona, to Robert and Genevieve (Short) Stevens. She grew up in Arizona and California, where she attended community college and played for their soccer team.

In 1972 she met Peter Watkins, and they married in 1976. The newlyweds moved to Chicago, Illinois. In 1980 they welcomed their first daughter, Vanessa. They made a decision to raise their family away from the city and shortly thereafter relocated to the Agnew area. In 1981 they purchased Agnew Grocery from Peter’s parents, which they owned and operated until their retirement in 2009.

In 1984 they welcomed their second daughter, Gayle and then son, Geoffrey in 1988.

Spending time with family was the most important thing to her. She cherished memories at Lake Ozette, vacationing in Las Vegas and family parties. She was also the quintessential sports mom, volunteering with her children’s sports teams and never missing a game. She also loved attending Oregon State football games.

Portia is survived by her daughter Vanessa Watkins (Eric McMillan) and son Geoffrey Watkins. She is also survived by her sister (in-law) Sarah Bedinger, brother-in-law Bruce Bedinger, and brothers-in-law Robert and Andrew Watkins, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Peter Watkins, in 2013 and their cherished daughter, Gayle, in 1993. Both of whom she loved and missed dearly until her own passing. She was also preceded in death by her brother Terry, and both parents.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. She is deeply missed by many.

Sequim Valley Chapel is honored to serve the family. Please visit our online register book at sequimvalleychapel.com to leave treasured memories for the family.

Dennis Lee Rix

July 18, 1947 – October 6, 2023

Photo courtesy of Dennis Lee Rix family / Dennis Lee Rix

Dennis Lee Rix of Sequim, Washington, passed away at Olympic Medical Center on October 6, 2023. He was 76.

Dennis was born July 18, 1947, in Seattle, Washington, to Ronald and Jeanette (Carlson) Rix. He grew up in the Seattle vicinity and graduated from Rainier Beach Junior-Senior High School. Dennis married Joanne Carratt in Redmond, Washington on June 20, 1981. Together, they raised their blended family, whom they loved dearly.

Dennis proudly served in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War and later enlisted in the United States Navy, from which he retired in 2007. During retirement he graduated college with a certificate in addiction studies.

He built his career in automobile sales management, working throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. He also worked in manufactured home sales in Clallam County.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Joanne Rix; daughter Sarah Rix; son Anthony Rix; stepdaughter, Christina (Gary) Beals and stepson, Eric Curtis.

He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Steven Rix and sister, Diana Rix. He is also survived by his grandchildren and step grandchildren, Molly Rix, Reese Rix, Kimberly Beals, Melissa Post; and great-grandchildren, Noah, Mason, Levi, and Layla Rix.

Sequim Valley Chapel is honored to serve the family. Please visit our online register book at sequimvalleychapel.com to leave cherished memories for the family.