Tonight, I would like to adjourn in memory of a remarkable woman who brought countless smiles to our residents, especially during the holidays—Nancy Roatcap.
Nancy was the heart and soul behind Nancy’s Ranch, a cherished local destination known for its seasonal pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm.
For over 40 years, Nancy dedicated herself to bringing joy to the community through her passion for farming and her love of the land.
Born in Burbank in 1946 to lifelong farmers Thursel and Ralph Roatcap, Nancy was the second of four children.
After graduating from Fillmore High School in 1964, she went on to study English and Agriculture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
In the mid-1970s, she married Mike Milligan, and together they moved to Canada where Nancy worked as a preschool teacher and midwife.
Years later, Nancy and her husband moved to Arkansas and established a tree nursery, but they returned to Valencia every Christmas season to help with her family’s tree farm, Windmill Christmas Trees.
In 1985, Nancy and her husband moved permanently to the Santa Clarita Valley, where they transformed Windmill Christmas Trees into what became Nancy’s Ranch.
As many of you know, Nancy’s Ranch was more than a place to buy a Christmas tree or pumpkin, it was a gathering place for friends, family and the community.
Year after year, Nancy’s Ranch created cherished memories for countless families, from cutting down your town tree to snapping holiday photos on the haybales.
Beyond her work at the ranch, Nancy was deeply involved in the community, volunteering much of her time as a docent at the Placerita Nature Center.
Her passion for the land, her dedication to her community and her warm spirit will leave an enduring legacy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends, family and colleagues during this difficult time.
We are grateful for the joy and impact Nancy brought to our community.