Nancy Jeanne Peckover Blair

Nancy Blair, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, in Ivins, Utah, at the age of 81.

Daughter of Martin and Janet Peckover, Nancy was born on August 1, 1943, on a military base in Franklin, Indiana, where her father was stationed before shipping off to Europe during World War II. She was raised in Saginaw, Michigan, and graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1961. Nancy went on to earn her degree from Albion College, where she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi and met her future husband, Gerald “Jerry” Blair, in a math class. After Jerry worked up the courage to ask her to a fraternity party, they began a relationship that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were married on August 14, 1965.

Nancy and Jerry first settled in Westland, Michigan, where they welcomed their first son, Steven Michael Blair, in 1967. They later moved to Plymouth, where their second son, Thomas Martin Blair, was born in 1970, before eventually settling in Saginaw. When their boys were in elementary school, the family relocated to Sandy, Utah. In their later years, Nancy and Jerry retired to Ivins, Utah, where they embraced the red rock landscapes.

Banking was both a legacy and a calling for Nancy. Her father led the trust department at Michigan National Bank, and Nancy grew up working in bank branches. After taking time to focus on raising her children, she resumed her career and rose to become Chief Operations Officer at both Capital City Bank and Guardian State Bank (later Community First Bank). So well respected was she in the banking industry that when one of her banks underwent a merger and she was laid off, another bank hired her the very next day.

Nancy’s second great love was the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international philanthropic organization supporting women’s education. Inspired by her mother, Nancy joined early in life and remained an active and devoted member throughout her years. She served as President of four chapters—one in Michigan and three in Utah—and treasured the lifelong friendships and shared mission of the organization.

A woman of many interests, Nancy was an avid hiker who found joy and peace exploring Utah’s stunning landscapes. She was also a lifelong reader with a deep love of books, always eager to share recommendations or curl up with a novel. Music held a special place in her heart—she began playing the piano as a child and continued throughout her life. Her beloved baby grand piano, passed down through generations of her family, was one of her most cherished possessions. Nancy will be remembered for her intelligence, quiet strength, gracious spirit, and the deep kindness she extended to all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Gerald “Jerry” Blair; her sons, Steven Michael Blair (Rebecca) of Oregon and Thomas Martin Blair (Kim) of Utah; her sister, Martha Mitola of Colorado; and five grandchildren: Alexander Blair and Kathryn Blair of Oregon, Mackenzie Blair of Colorado, Audrey Blair of Missouri, Brandon Blair and his wife Audrey of Kansas, and step-granddaughter Jacqueline Coleman of Washington. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family members who will miss her deeply.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held in the summer, a season she especially loved. Details will be shared with friends and family in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Nancy’s memory to the Utah State Chapter P.E.O. Sisterhood, in honor of her generous and community-centered life. https://www.peoutah.org