Irene A. (Liess) Watkins

IRENE A. WATKINS, age 89, of Sidney, passed away on May 5, 2018 at Fair Haven Nursing Home.  She was born on March 31, 1929 in Sidney, OH to the late Herbie and Iliea (Long) Liess.

Irene is survived by her sons: Vernon (Wendy) Watkins of Anna, OH and Donald Watkins of Grovetown, GA; daughter: Brenda (Bruce) Eck of Troy, OH; grandchildren: Terrie Bey and Michelle Miller; great-grandchildren: Justin and Brittani Bey, Andrew and Aubrey Miller, great-great grandchildren; Julian and Rowan Bey, sister: Ruth Howell; sisters-in-law: Violet Dovel and Dorothy Frey; and brothers- in-law: Eric Sanders and Ralph Howell.  In addition to her husband, Gerald Watkins, she was preceded in death by her brother: Nelson Liess; sisters-in-law: Opal Liess, Beulah Carr, Marcella Gundolf, Evelyn Snavely and Twilah Sanders; and brothers-in-law: Irvin Snavely, Earl Frey, Richard Gundolf, John Dovel and Lewis Carr.

Irene married Gerald Watkins on January 1, 1948 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage.  She worked for Helman Realty and Amos Press for many years.  She had been a Sunday school teacher at Anna United Methodist Church, a 4-H advisor for Sow and Grow Garden Club and an officer and member of the Shelby County Ohio Farm Bureau.  She enjoyed traveling, playing cards, arts and crafts, dancing and gardening.  She was known for her one of a kind Faberge’ like eggs and enjoyed babysitting and eating out with family and friends.  She was a lifelong member of the Anna United Methodist Church.  She loved having fun and living life to the fullest.  Irene was a loving mother and caring grandmother and will be truly missed by her children and their families.

Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Adams Funeral Home in Sidney with Pastor Randy Locker officiating.  Burial will follow in Cedar Point Cemetery in Pasco.  Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anna United Methodist Church, 201West North Street, Anna, OH 45302.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.theadamsfuneralhome.com.

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