Barbara Ann Watkins

Barbara A. Watkins, 84, of Dover, died Friday, July 24, 2009 at her home of heart failure.A daughter of the late Joseph B. and Betty M. (Harper) Price, Barb was born June 17, 1925 at New Philadelphia, Ohio.In 1943, Barb graduated from New Philadelphia High School as the class valedictorian. She then graduated from Heidelberg University in 1947 with a bachelor’s of science degree and received her teaching certificate from the University of Indiana. Barb completed her formal education with by earning a master’s degree in educational administration from Kent State University.On March 16, 1974, Barb married William J. Watkins. The couple shared 25 years of marriage prior Bill’s passing on October 29, 1999.She served in the education field for more than 30 years. At the time of her retirement, Barb was the Special Education Supervisor for the Tuscarawas County School Board of Education, a position she held for over 12 years.Barb was a member of the Salvation Army where she once played the piano for Sunday services. Following her retirement, she enjoyed taking part in painting classes at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center. Many her paintings were of lighthouses.She is survived by her children, Margy Wherley of Dover, Pam (Pete) Albaugh of Harmonsburg, Pennsylvania, Kay (Paul) Shroyer of Sugarcreek, Jan Beitzel of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina and Jim and Joe Chidester both of Dover; 10 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Margie Bass of Barberton, Ohio and several nieces and nephews.Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son Derek Watkins and a brother, Robert Price.In keeping with Barb’s wishes, cremation will take place at the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2009 at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia with Captain George Bates officiating. Following the service, a memorial reception will held at the Salvation Army at New Philadelphia.Contributions may be made in Barb’s memory to the Salvation Army, 809 Emmett Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.