Nancy Ellen Robles
Nancy Ellen Robles, 79, of Santa Maria, California, passed peacefully on January 27, 2026.
Born on September 26, 1946, in Grayson, Kentucky, Nancy lived a life rooted in faith, love, and service.
Nancy was a God-fearing women whose faith guided her every step and shaped the way she loved and served others. She had a huge heart and loved her children and grandchildren fiercely, finding her greatest joy and purpose in her family. From a young age, Nancy was extremely hardworking and took pride in every role she held. At just 15 years old, she began working at the Copper Coffee Pot, followed by Cold Spring Tavern at 17. By the age of 19, Nancy had already found her calling in healthcare, she began training on the surgical floor at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. She later devoted 20 plus years of her life to private duty nursing, a career she deeply loved and took great pride in. Caring for others came naturally to Nancy—it was simply who she was. She also spent two years working with the Santa Barbara News-Press.
In 1966, Nancy married the love of her life, David Joseph Robles, and in August of 1967, they welcomed their eldest son. Her family was her greatest blessing, and she loved them with a steady, unconditional, and unwavering devotion. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives, proudly serving as team mom throughout all of her boys’ years in YFL, always cheering from the sidelines and making sure every child felt supported and cared for.
Nancy found joy not only in caring for others but also in community and fellowship. She was a dedicated member of a bowling league for six years, where her competitive spirit, laughter, and friendship shined. She also found peace in life’s quiet moments, especially during long walks along the beach, where she felt closest to God. She was known for her gentle strength, her warm and welcoming spirit, and the way she made everyone feel deeply cared for and at home.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Joseph Robles; her daughter, Joyce Ann Maclean; and her brothers, Steve Stephens and Ronnie Stephens.
She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her sons David Robles Jr., Shawn Simone Robles, and Jason Todd Robles; daughter Julie Ann Robles; siblings Betty Mulkey and Michael Stephens; grandchildren DJ Robles, Jessi LaNaya Robles, Devin Robles-Chavez, Pauline Reyna, and Jesse Esparza; great-grandchildren Riya R., Aubrey R., Abby R., Isaiah R., Autumn C., Dean C., Daliah C.and Layla E. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended grandchildren and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, strength, and love.
Nancy’s life was a beautiful reflection of her faith, her tireless work ethic, and her fierce devotion to family. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” — Psalm 23
Celebration of Life will be held at Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Rd. Solvang, CA 93463 at 11am Saturday April 11th 2026.
