Nancy Ann Hale Crandall Marks

Beloved mother, wife, and friend, Nancy Ann Hale Crandall Marks, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024, in Holladay, Utah at her home, surrounded by family.

Nancy was born to Shirley Hickman Hale and Don C. Hale on June 5, 1948, in Salt Lake City. She grew up in the Parleys Third Ward neighborhood and graduated from Highland High School, Class of 1966.

Nancy married Richard Crandall in 1970. Their marriage brought them six wonderful children: Caroline, Matthew, Emily, Spencer, Michael, and Rebecca. Richard and Nancy later divorced, with Nancy taking on the herculean role of single mother for several years. In 1991, she married the love of her life, Michael “Mick” Marks. Together, they enjoyed life to the fullest as they blended their families. Many years later, they adopted their grandson, Zachary, whom they loved and raised as their own.

Nancy was a loving mother and devoted wife. Her kind and generous spirit was felt by everyone she met. Some of her most cherished memories included raising her children in the nurturing environment of the Garden Park Ward neighborhood, where many lifelong friendships were forged. 

Nancy was always up for fun and adventure. She fondly remembered traveling throughout Europe with her friend Kim after their graduation from high school. As a young mother, Nancy trained for a marathon, waking up at 4 a.m. every morning before getting her children ready for school - and somehow finding time to prepare gourmet lunches for everyone, each complete with a sweet note tucked inside. Her adventurous spirit, commitment to fitness, and determination to do hard things were again evident when she participated in the Garden Park bike ride from Salt Lake City to Lake Powell. A testament to her strength and fortitude, Nancy finished the 300-mile ride, even after crashing her bike on train tracks, requiring several stitches to her arm.

Nancy joined her family's business, Hires Big-H, and served alongside her father, Don Hale, for nearly 30 years. She loved the many wonderful people she had the pleasure to work with and always looked forward to waiting on her regular customers, many of whom still remember her fondly. Nancy's love of laughter and zest for life were contagious, making her a favorite among staff and customers alike. She was dedicated to her work and made many lasting contributions. 

Nancy enjoyed a full and active life with her husband, Mick. Together, they took pleasure in traveling, trying new restaurants, going to the movies, golfing, and of course, shopping, which was more a passion of Nancy’s than Mick’s. 

Later in life, Nancy’s greatest joy was raising and spending time with her son, Zach, who enriched her life in more ways than she had ever anticipated. She also cherished her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, showering them with love and always making sure to bring gifts and treats with every visit. 

Nancy was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her testimony was strong and ran deep. She always believed, no matter where life’s journey took her. Her faith was something she lived in its purest and simplest form. She was a true example of Christlike love, loving unconditionally, never judging, and always quick to forgive. Her generosity extended far beyond her large circle of family and friends. Nancy taught by example, often taking her young children to feed those who were unsheltered in downtown Salt Lake City. She was the epitome of grace and kindness throughout her life, exuding warmth and authenticity while touching the lives of everyone she met.

Nancy is survived by her husband Michael Marks. She will be deeply missed by her children, Matthew Crandall, Emily (Steven) Kehl, Spencer (Madeline) Crandall, Michael Crandall, Rebecca (Nick) Aadnesen, Zachary Marks, Alison (Skip) Renza and Heather Marks; siblings Lisa (Douglas) Lowe, Jon (Karen) Hale, and Mark (Julie) Hale; fourteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews who she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her daughter Caroline Crandall, father Don C. Hale, mother Shirley Hickman Hale, and niece Chelsea Hale.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Nancy's life will be held at the Creekside Ward, 1495 E. 4705 S. in Holladay, on Saturday, March 30, at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family will gather to share cherished memories of Nancy on Friday evening, March 29, from 6 - 8 p.m. at 1495 E. 4705 S. in Holladay, as well as Saturday morning, March 30, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., prior to funeral services.

The graveside interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park will follow the funeral services. The Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Mortuary in Holladay, Utah, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

As Nancy's family, we extend heartfelt appreciation to the incredible hospice and home health staff, whose caring service allowed us to honor Nancy's wish to stay in her home during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following organizations Nancy supported: 

Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org and/or Chelsea Hale Memorial Scholarship at saltlakeeducationfoundation.org.