Barbara J. Watkins

Barbara (Glaunsinger) Watkins was born in Newark, Ohio to the late George K. and Sarah E. Glaunsinger on January 19, 1930.  She came into this life a fighter and survivor, weighing a mere two pounds at birth and setting a record that stood for some time as the smallest child to survive a premature birth.  Despite the difficult beginning, she lived a full life and happy life, passing away April 7, 2021 at the age of 91 at her home in Heath, surrounded by family.

A 19-year volunteer at Licking Memorial Hospital, Barb was a member of TWIG #19, 20/30 Bridge Club, and was a charter member of the Granville Recreation Commission. Not knowing a stranger, she loved to socialize and kept active playing golf and hitting the pool for water aerobics. Barb also enjoyed writing poetry and collecting dolls. She will be remembered as loving mother who raised three tomboy girls that were her exact opposite and made up their dad’s football team.

Surviving are her daughters, Deborah S. Watkins, Barbara (Kenneth) Koch, Elizabeth “Betsy” Watkins, and Maryan Kavan. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John N. Watkins and son-in-law, Stephen Smith.

Our mom tried to live each day to the fullest.  She taught us many things, make your bed, be kind to people and splash cold water 10 times daily on your face.  She taught us to memorize poetry that her mom had taught her, and to happily sing whenever we could.  Mom’s glass was always half full, she never met a person or dog that she didn’t like, and she loved her family and friends fiercely.  In her last years when she was blind, she worked hard at being positive and upbeat because she felt no one wanted to be around a grumpy person.  We loved our mom and miss her, but we have comfort in knowing she is with dad.

We’d like to thank HomeInstead and especially Connie, Jill, Julie and Marcia whose six-year involvement with us, turned them into family.  A big thank you also to Mark, Glenna, and Susan, owners of Clays Café and their staff for watching over mom and fixing her favorite food, the hamburger.  We also want to thank Heartland Hospice for helping mom and us through this journey.

Finally, Debbie and Barbie want to thank their sister Betsy for her loving care that she provided for mom that allowed her to live at home.  We love you baby sis for doing this and mom really appreciated it.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 E. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara J. Watkins, please visit our floral store.