Betty Jane Watkins

Betty Jane Watkins, 97, of the Sandyville area and formerly of Waynesburg, passed away Friday, April 9, 2021 in her residence, following a period of declining health.

Born October 3, 1923 in Nelsonville, she was the daughter of the late John and Daisy (Colgrove) Kesterson. Betty was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church at New Philadelphia. She was an avid reader and an extremely good “old fashioned” type of cook.

On September 21, 1947, Betty married her lifelong companion, Daryl W. “Mike” Watkins and together celebrated 65 years of marriage before his passing in September 2012.
Surviving are her two sons, Jeff (Susan) Watkins of the Sandyville area and David (Angela) Watkins of Massillon; her daughter, Lori (Mike) Hughes of East Canton; her grandchildren, Alison Watkins and her companion Rene Flores of the Bronx in New York City, Matthew (Jessica) Watkins of Massillon, Zachary Watkins and his companion Dana Forney of Hilliard and Ryan Bowers of Louisville; a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Roth; a great-grandson, Emilio Flores and her dog Millie.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Susann; a sister and two brothers.

In keeping with her wishes, Betty is to be cremated through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Betty’s memory may be directed to the Trinity Episcopal Church, 122 Third Street NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.