Nancy Rensted Walker

Nancy Rensted Walker, age 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep June 3, 2025, at her home in Lompico, California. She was born July 7, 1945, in Berkeley, California, daughter of the late Raymond Ernest and Waunita Evelyn Rensted. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister and wife. We will miss her.

Nancy grew-up on a farm in Ceres, California, graduated from Ceres High School, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Gerontology from San José State University. She pursued a life based on love and service to others. She was the director of Rosener House (an adult day care center in Menlo Park) for 14 years during which she developed a model for adult day care service that was adopted by the State of California. After retiring from Rosener House, Nancy continued her work with elders by serving as a member of the Santa Cruz Alzheimer's Board for several years. She also volunteered in the Santa Cruz Elderday program where she was valued for her poetry reading and singing the old songs.

Nancy had a passion for collecting dolls which she then donated to young girls with special needs as determined by the Women's Crisis Center, the Santa Cruz Jail Ministry, and the Valley Churches United (Ben Lomond). She believed that girls living in difficult environments would benefit from the distraction of loving and playing with dolls.

Nancy married her junior college sweetheart, Silas Upton, in 1965. They had two sons, Randal Carwyn Upton and Richard Raymond Upton, who have both survived her. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Rebecca Upton and grandson, Zachary Upton. Nancy and Silas divorced in 1979. She met her present husband, Russ Walker, at a Trellis dance in 1982. They were married in June of 1986. She shared many cherished years of international adventure with her beloved husband. Nancy passed just a few weeks before their 39th wedding anniversary.

Friends and family will celebrate Nancy's life at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Peace United Church of Christ, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the church.