Remembering Nancy Arlene Dunton

Nancy Arlene Dunton was born May 28, 1942 in Mount Vernon to her parents Nels and Arleatha Pedersen. She passed away peacefully June 30, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Skagit Valley, Nancy lived the family’s multi-generational La Conner farmhouse all her life, with the exception of just a couple of years.

She attended La Conner elementary through high school, graduating in the class of 1960. She earned her associate degree in business at Skagit Valley College. 

At college, she met her future husband Don Ray Dunton. They were married for 46 years before Don passed away in 2008.

Nancy was primarily a homemaker. She worked part-time at La Conner Country Inn for 11 years as a housekeeper and a breakfast hostess. She was a contributing member of the Kiwanis Club La Conner for about 16 years.

She loved church and bible studies, where she spoke openly about her love of Jesus and looked forward to reuniting with her loved ones, as well as leading her family in faith.

Nancy was a passionate advocate for preserving Skagit Valley farmland, and was honored by Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland and the Skagit Farmland Legacy Program.

She is remembered by many for her laugh, big smile and ability to feed a crowd — including family, social gatherings, friends, and sports teams. More often than not, she was spotted happily riding her favorite John Deere, mowing grass.

Surviving family include: her children — son Chris and daughters Becky and Vickie; son-in-law James, daughter-in-law Britt; granddaughters Katie, Kristin, Annika, Sofia, Emma, Jenna, and Sadie; and great-grandchildren Ethan, Emily and Sloan. 

A service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday July 13 graveside at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery at 17666 Valentine Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, please bring a chair just in case, and details for a potluck reception for family and friends to follow.