Nancy Ann Perkins, 81, of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died on March 29 at Integris Blackwell Regional Hospital.  She was the wife of Raymond Perkins. Nancy was born in Bridgeport on March 2, 1932, daughter of the late Rev. Edward R. and Frances H. (Hurd) Merrill. She grew up in Connecticut, lived two years in Yuma, Arizona, then went to college in South Dakota, lived three years in Minnesota, then 45 years in Connecticut (1958-2003), and then 10 years in Blackwell, Oklahoma. 

Nancy received her elementary and early high school education in Monroe, Connecticut, and finished high school in Old Saybrook. She continued her education at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, graduating in 1954. Nancy’s college roommate introduced her to her future husband, Raymond Perkins, whom she married on Feb. 5, 1955, and they celebrated 58 years of marriage.   To this union, four children were born: Merrill R., David M., Timothy W. and Julie L. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Nancy and Ray took a trip to Disney World in 2005 with eight other family members.

Nancy worked as a nurse’s aide and a substitute teacher, but her main job was being a wife, mother, and grandmother.  She was a member of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), the United Methodist Women (UMW), St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Monroe, Grace Episcopal Church of Old Saybrook, and Zion Episcopal Church of North Branford. At the time of her death, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell, Oklahoma.

Nancy loved quilting and working with ceramics, but her greatest love was raising her kids and grandkids. 

Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Merrill and his wife Jennifer Perkins of Ivoryton, David and his wife Stephanie Perkins of Connecticut, Timothy Perkins and his friend Andrea Jaeger of Germany, and Julie Perkins of Rhode Island; her grandchildren, Geoffrey, John, Sarah, Stephanie, Benjamin, and Christopher; her two great-grandchildren, Kelsey and Jocelyn; and numerous other relatives. She was predeceased by her brother, Edward Hurd Merrill.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in May. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 524 W. Coolidge, Blackwell, OK 74631, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.  The Anderson Funeral Home, Tonkawa, Oklahoma, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family using the online guest book at www.tonkawafh.com.