Ruth Horton Watkins, 86, of Vero Beach, passed away on June 28, at her son’s home in Crosse, Wis., after a prolonged fight with cancer.
She is survived by her eldest son, C. Barry Watkins (Chris); daughter-in-law, Brenda Watkins; four grandchildren, Stacey Burton, Adam Watkins, Ben Watkins, and Tim Watkins. She was particularly fond of her six great-grandchildren, Olivia, Bobby, Abbey, and Avery Burton, and Kaylynn and Bobby Watkins, who all called her, “Gre Gre.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and her younger son Robert Alan “Bob” Watkins.
Quinn was born on Staten Island, N.Y., Oct. 2, 1927. She was the second child of Waldo and Marion Horton. She attended the Pembroke College of Brown University. She remained close to many college friends throughout her life. She met her husband, William “Bill” Watkins while in school. Once married, they moved numerous times following his career with US Gypsum.
The family moved to Greenville, Miss., in 1970 and remained there until Bill’s passing in 2000. The Watkins’ both loved golf and were members of the Greenville Country Club. They were avid members of the Mississippi Seniors.
Watkins moved to Vero Beach in 2000 and resided at the Moorings where she was a member for many years. In addition to golf, she loved gardening, reading, playing bridge, and “Judge Judy.” She was a lifelong member of PEO and the DAR. Her warm and caring spirit will be missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at Christ by the Sea Methodist Church on Monday, July 7, at 10:30 a.m. Her ashes will be laid to rest in Mapleville Cemetery, West Helena, Ark., next to her husband.
