Nora Watts

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nora Mae Watts on December 15, 2025, at the age of 77.

Nora is Kinyaa'áanii (Towering House), born for Honágháahnii (One Who Walks Around). Her maternal grandfather is Táchii'nii (Red Running Into the Water People), and her paternal grandfather is Tó'áháni (Near the Water). She was born on August 11, 1948, to her loving parents Rachel Foster Thompson and Adam Thompson in Fort Defiance, Arizona.

On March 12, 1971, Nora married Milton Watts in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. They raised four children in loving homes in various locations including Heber, Mesa, Orem, Price, Kearns, Gallup, and West Valley City.

Nora is survived by her loving husband, Milton Watts; her children, Kimberlee Martin and her husband Thomas, Rachel Van Valkenburgh and her husband Jonnie, and her son Matthew Watts and his wife Heidi; as well as eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son Joshua Watts and her grandson Tanner Martin.

Nora grew up as one of eight siblings. She is survived by her older sister Gloria Thompson Begay and her younger brother Paul Thompson. Nora was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Alvin Thompson, Harriet Thompson, Stella Thompson Wahlquist, Elvira (Ella) Thompson Boyd, and Effie Thompson Livingston.

Nora grew up with her family in Sheep Springs, New Mexico, and kept close ties with her Sheep Springs family and friends throughout her life. Nora spoke fluent Navajo; her Native American heritage was very important to her.

When Nora was eight years old, she began living with the Grant and Eleanora Casper Family of Heber City, Utah during the school year, as part of the Indian Student Placement Program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nora stayed with the Casper family during the school year for ten years and graduated from Wasatch County High School. The Caspers and Nora bonded. She came to love and deeply value their genuine Christ-like love. They have maintained a close relationship since completing her educational experience. The Caspers made a lasting impact on Nora and Milt, their children, their grandchildren and now a great- grandchild.

Nora and Milt lived in Gallup, New Mexico 2001 - 2012. They taught and coordinated the seminary and institute programs of the LDS Church on the Navajo Reservation. During that period of time, they were asked to be a part of the Sheep Springs Branch. Nora loved serving there, her hometown, and the branch where she grew up. Nora was an outstanding Primary President.

Nora served an LDS mission with her husband Milton to the Farmington New Mexico Mission in 2013-2014. They served as seminary teachers in Shiprock, New Mexico.

Nora loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Nora has made several trips over the years to see and spend time with her grandchildren. Nora enjoyed babysitting, attending her grandkids' sporting events, and seeing them progress through important milestones in school, church, and scouts. In more recent times she loved Face Timing her grandkids.

Nora enjoyed cheering for the Utes football team and traveling with Milton, her sister Stella, and Stella's husband David Wahlquist. The foursome would often go on trips together to see family or visit sights in the Southwest. Nora enjoyed getting together with family and playing games like Five Crowns, Rook, and Phase 10. Nora also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, Tetris, and Zuma.

There will be a viewing on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the LDS Chapel of the Harvest Park Ward located at 3671 South Oldham Street, West Valley City, Utah. On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the same chapel, there will be a second viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services starting at 11:00 a.m. After the funeral, we will drive to Taylorsville City Cemetery for the interment and dedication of the grave at 4567 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.