New Harmony, Utah - Nanci King passed away with loved ones at her side on January 21, 2021 at the age of 83.

Nanci Lynn Ellis Hudson King was born March 11, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, the third of four children to Pauline Ida Watson and Preston "Ernie" Luzerne Ellis.  The Ellis family moved across the U.S., stopping and farming through Illinois and Arizona before landing in California when Nanci was a teenager.  Finishing high school in Venice, CA, Nanci later married and became a mother to three sons, Bruce, Jon, and Cameron Hudson, and a beloved stepdaughter, Jacquelyn Hudson.

While in Southern California, Nanci had a long and successful career in computer security for TRW where her talents for organizing, problem solving and managing people really shined.  For an important decade she was selected to provide oversight to several classified government programs involving the management of multi-security disciplines where she proudly served her country and made lasting friendships.

Nanci was a whirlwind of energy, spinning around you with endless competence and skill. Ensuring you were fed with her delicious cooking from scratch, while raising kids, caring for animals, excelling at a high responsibility career, and still spending quality time with you like you were the most special person in her life.  A best friend to many and a second mother to even more, Nanci made sure your belly was full, "eat your eggs!," and your heart was warmed with her commonsense advice.

A farm girl at heart, Nanci longed to leave city life.  First step was Apple Valley where she could finally have her beloved horses on her property, while still close enough to care for her mother and other family in need.  But her dreams came true when she arrived in New Harmony and broke ground on what would become her personal paradise, Kings Ransom Ranch.  Here, she was surrounded by her horses, chickens, peacocks, goats, dogs and more.  She taught her grandchildren how to ride and care for horses and she wrapped us in love through her homemade quilts.  Kings Ransom Ranch is Nanci's legacy she built for her family, which will be treasured for generations to come.

Nanci was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Ernie Ellis and brother, Bruce Ellis.  She is survived by siblings: Judith Nielson (UT) and Keith Ellis (CA); her sons: Bruce, Jon and Cam Hudson; stepchildren: Jacquelyn Smith (UT), John, Bill and Roberta King; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and her true love, Ken Shaw.

Nanci's remains were cremated and the family will hold a private celebration of life.  Donations in Nanci's memory can be sent to her favorite charity, The Salvation Army.