Nancy Matkin Marshall

Nancy Matkin Marshall, 87, passed peacefully, surrounded by her husband Raymond H. Marshall and their three children, on the morning of September 7, 2022.  Nancy was known for her character, honesty, graciousness, loyalty, and fun sense of humor.  She was a devoted wife, mother, friend, and community volunteer.

Born November 28, 1934, in El Paso, Texas, to parents George and Lucile Matkin, she had one sister, Margaret Matkin Jackson (George).  Nancy loved her childhood, roaming free in old El Paso with her horses and her dog Topsy.  Many of her childhood playmates remained lifelong friends.

She attended Coldwell elementary and Austin high school.  She attended Hollins College in Virginia, ultimately transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where she joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Nancy met her husband Raymond in high school and married on July 21, 1956.  They were quickly off to Big Springs, Texas, Georgia, and Delaware for Ray’s Air Force assignments, then back to UT for Ray’s law school before returning home to live in El Paso. 

Nancy was a native El Pasoan who welcomed all newcomers.  Among the many organizations and causes she contributed to were Western Hills United Methodist Church, Junior League of El Paso, Women’s Auxiliary of El Paso, Planned Parenthood, Girl Scouts, El Paso Historical Society, and Las Comadres. 

Nancy loved challenges.  She started each morning by completing the paper’s daily crossword puzzle and sudoku.  A natural athlete, Nancy rode horses and played tennis and golf.  But most of all, she was a terrific card player — any game, from bridge to hearts.  Nancy played cards regularly with her friends, children, and grandkids.  You could teach her a new card game, and she’d turn around and beat you at it the same day.  She was a quick study with a sharp mind, not afraid to shoot the moon.  She taught us all how to win and lose gracefully.  Nancy was also a voracious reader, with a book always handy.  But she didn’t just experience life through her books — she toured the world.  With her husband Ray, she visited six continents, particularly enjoying Europe and Africa, only missing Antarctica because of a last-minute hiccup.

Her family and friends recall her as gracious, funny, generous, honest — a straight shooter.  She was fiercely loyal and protective.  When you had Nancy on your side, you felt blessed. 

Nancy is survived by her husband, Raymond Marshall; children, Cindy Hearne (Chris), Hal Marshall (Desi), George Marshall (Claire).  Nine terrific grandkids; Matthew, Michael, William, Meredith (Fred), April (Nick), Garrett, Elliott, Austin, and Haley.  And last yet certainly not least, great-granddaughters Adeline and Theia.

She is predeceased by her parents, George and Lucile Matkin, and her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and George Jackson.

The family would like to thank Dr. George Walker Jackson, as well as Hospice of El Paso and our wonderful caregivers; Gabby, Rachel and Corina.

The family will have a private burial service, Arrangements at Sunset West Funeral Home.  

Plans are in process for a memorial service honoring Nancy to be held in El Paso.  An announcement will be forthcoming with date and venue.

The family requests that any donations in her honor go to Western Hills United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.