Barbara E. Watkins

Barbara E. Watkins, 81, Administrative Assistant, died Monday, May 5, 2025. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Ascension Living Via Christi Village - Ridge, 3636 North Ridge Road, Wichita, Kansas. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Alvie and Dolores Bates; husband, Merl Richard Watkins; brothers, John Bates, Robert Bates, Jerry Bates; sister, Linda McGinty; and step-daughter, Jennie Watkins. She is survived by her sons, Brian (Karrie) Botts of Niceville, Florida, Bradley (Karen) Botts of Venice, Florida; daughter, Brenda (Jim) Tatman of Wichita, Kansas; step-sons, Merl Ronn Watkins of Wichita, Kansas, Jerry (Pam) Watkins of Valley Center, Kansas; brother, Bill (Ginny) Bates of Wichita, Kansas; brother-in-law, Don McGinty of Wichita, Kansas; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Barbara’s passion was sewing and making beautiful quilts. At one time she estimated she had made over 200 quilts, all by hand! She donated many of them to the Linus Project through St Jude’s quilting group. She made several “t-shirt” quilts for the grandkids, always centering around their particular sport or interest. She was also an excellent seamstress making bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, curtains or just hemming a pair of pants for a family member. Her dedicated sewing room was crammed full of fabric, but always sorted by color, holiday or theme! She knew exactly where every piece of material was. She enjoyed playing golf with her husband Rick. You could always count on Barbara to be stylish on the golf course with her matching outfit, shoes and visor. She loved to host and entertain at their home. Barbara also had a knack for building and decorating homes. In every one of the five homes she and Rick built, she always added a cubby or nook to the plan. Over time, the building contractor began to refer to her as the “Nitch B****”. Barbara loved her family and enjoyed attending sporting events, concerts and activities of her grandchildren. She was very proud of the wonderful adults they had become and was their biggest cheerleader. She will genuinely be missed by all. A memorial has been established with: Club Parkinson's, P. O. Box 771269, Wichita, Kansas 67277. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Mortuary