Lilly Jean Nard

Lilly Jean Nard (née Murphy) passed away on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, at the age of 87 in her Prescott, Arizona, home, surrounded by family. Lil was born on Sept. 17, 1927, to Lee and Jean Murphy (née Lajennesse) in Skull Valley, Arizona. She attended Skull Valley Grade School and graduated from Prescott High School. Lil later attended Arizona State University to study accounting. Raised as a native Arizona cowgirl, Lil became adept at raising and caring for various livestock, spending much of her childhood with her two brothers on various ranches throughout Yavapai County. Lil was a skilled equestrian, which earned her the crown of Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Queen in 1947. In 1948, Lil married William 'Bill' Nard, and together they raised two daughters while residing in Flagstaff to work in the healthcare industry. Lil also worked as a business manager for the Forest Service in the Kaibab and Prescott National Forests, from which she retired in 1995. Lil enjoyed snow skiing, golf, bowling and line dancing. Mostly, she adored the joy her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her. Lil was preceded in death by Bill Nard, both parents, her younger brother Bill Murphy, sister-in-law Evelyn Murphy, nephew Billie Bob Murphy, and niece Katie Murphy. She is survived by her brother Robert Murphy; two daughters, Cindy (Craig) Christman and Susie Nard; three granddaughters; four great-granddaughters; and extended family members and friends.