Tracy Ann Povill
January 28, 1970 – December 5, 2023
Tracy Ann Povill was born on January 28, 1970 (53). She passed away on December 5, 2023 surrounded by family, with a wildflower in her hair.
She is survived by her parents, Rick and Sandy Povill, and brother Eric. Also, by her birth mother Penny Millar, her husband Cal, and their children Sarah and Calvin, as well as her sister on her father’s side, Laurie Kraus.
Tracy’s early years were spent in Stamford, Connecticut. Her family moved to Louisville, Kentucky during her senior year, where she graduated from Ballard High. She studied nursing at Bellermaine College, then shifted her focus and got a degree in dental hygiene from University of Louisville.
After almost a decade in this field, she followed her passion for animals and with her partner began raising and training horses and other livestock in rural Kentucky, then later Alabama. During this time she also practiced eldercare. In 2018 she moved to Arizona, where she reunited with her first love, Zay Hartigan. Tracy was his first love as well. They cared for land, livestock, and elders around the Patagonia area until her passing.
Tracy joined Patagonia Volunteer Fire and Rescue immediately upon her arrival in the area, and began providing in-home care to elders in the community.
She loved to garden, and had just completed a wildflower garden at their new home, a lovely reminder of her passion for wild places and creatures that brought her much delight, whether hiking, biking, horse riding, backpacking, or just sitting on the porch surrounded by nature. Tracy loved all animals, and even both dogs needing medical attention after getting too close to javelinas could not stop her from adoring them and their “cute little noses.” She also enjoyed baking with the fresh eggs from her chickens, and reading. She is remembered for her quick smile, easy laugh, and kind compassionate nature.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday January 27 on the “Valley Rim.” Take Forest Road 58 to the San Rafael Valley and follow the TRACY signs. Contact Zay for more detailed information or in case of inclement weather.