Esther A. Watkins

February 16, 2023

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Esther A. Watkins, 94, formerly of Michigantown, died February 16, 2023 at Milner Community Healthcare, Rossville, Ind.  She was born March 21, 1928 in Clinton County, Ind. to Melvin & Clara (Merrill) Phillips.  She married William Harold Watkins on November 24, 1946 and he preceded her in death on February 25, 1976.

Esther attended Jackson Township School and was a 1946 graduate of Michigantown High School.  She had lived most of her life in Clinton County.  She was a very active member of the Michigantown United Methodist Church and a former member of the Beard Order of Eastern Star.   Esther had been Postmaster of the Michigantown Post Office, retiring in 1997.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2023 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday St. Paul Cemetery, Forest, Ind. Memorial donations may be made to the Michigantown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Michigantown, IN 46057.

Survived by:

3 Sons: Richard (Renita) Watkins of rural Frankfort, Kevin (Vikki) Watkins of Frankfort, Steve Watkins of Marion, OH, Daughter: Dianna (Michael) Kepner of Crawfordsville, Daughter-in-Law: Jane Watkins of Forest, 7 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren.

Preceded by:

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son Robert Watkins in 2002 and an infant granddaughter in 1976.

Condolences

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17 Condolences for “Esther A. Watkins”

  1. Wayne and Susie Brock February 17, 2023 at 2:08 pm

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace and love to all of you. Wayne and Susie Brock

    Reply
  2. James W Mc Quern February 17, 2023 at 2:27 pm

    Steve, Richard and Kevin, I am sorry about your mother. It sounds as if she had a long and good life.

    Reply
  3. Jim Garrigus February 17, 2023 at 4:06 pm

    You have my deepest sympathies. Thankful that you had her in your life for a lot of years.

    Reply
  4. Laurenda Whitcomb February 17, 2023 at 5:47 pm

    Dear Friends,
    So very sorry to hear about Esther’s passing. Loved talking to her and was in awe of how she could remember about so many people in addition to everything about her family. She was amazing! Thoughts and prayers for you all.
    Tom & Laurenda Whitcomb

    Reply
  5. Frederick Hess February 17, 2023 at 6:52 pm

    I was fortunate to be able to call her Aunt Esther. As a child my brother and I spent many weeks in the summers visiting her, Uncle Harold and the cousins creating memories that I will cherish for all my days. As an adult we grew close when she spent time with my mother Ruth. We loved to play cards and share stories. She was a strong and intelligent woman that inspired others to be the best they could be. She loved unconditionally and I will forever be grateful for her presence in my life. To my cousins, thanks for sharing your mother we me. I loved her and share your grief.

    Reply
  6. Bradly Crenshaw February 18, 2023 at 8:36 am

    Sorry for your loss. She was a fine lady and a good friend to our family.

    Reply
  7. Beth Keeney February 19, 2023 at 1:09 pm

    Dear Renita and family. We’re are sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  8. Shirley Wellman Bishop February 19, 2023 at 6:54 pm

    Richard, Diane, Steve and Kevin,
    Sorry to hear of your loss. What wonderful loving woman. I have many fond memories or your mom. Praying for your family.
    Shirley Wellman Bishop

    Reply
  9. Sue Wellman Fall February 19, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I remember coming to your house for Sarah Coventry parties. I think Shirley still has some. She will be missed. Another Michigantown generation is lost.

    Reply
  10. Judith Crum February 19, 2023 at 7:20 pm

    Sorry to hear of your loss! She was a special person. I have known her since I was little girl.

    Reply
  11. Jennifer (Ward) Strain February 19, 2023 at 7:22 pm

    Dear Steve and Family,
    My caring thoughts are with you during this difficult time

    Reply
  12. Jana Helmberger February 20, 2023 at 6:38 pm

    My prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow. So sorry l didn’t know until Monday evening. God bless you all.

    Reply
  13. Sheri Lindhorst Channels February 21, 2023 at 11:19 am

    Richard, Steve, Kevin, and Dianna, your mother was a special friend to my family. She was a very loving, caring person. When our dad passed away, Esther was at the house with food and again four years later, when our sister passed away, she was at the house with food. She will be missed.

    Reply
  14. Gayle Sampson March 29, 2023 at 8:28 pm

    My condolences to Esther’s family, who I got to know as Ruth’s sister and Fred & Phil’s aunt. One remarkable year after Esther moved away from South Bend, she contacted me to buy a rose and read a poem for Ruth’s birthday at church. I did so, happily. It is an example of Esther’s “going the distance” to make her sister’s day a celebration.

    Reply

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