Lucille June Watkins, 85, of Springfield, Missouri passed away at her home on Friday, January 11, 2013. Lucille was born June 16, 1927 in Trenton, Missouri to the late Alfred and Grace Wimer. Lucille grew up in Trenton and graduated first in her class from Trenton High School in 1945. Following graduation Lucille married her high school sweetheart, the late Richard H. Watkins on February 10, 1948 and spent the next 59 years with him until his death in April of 2007. Lucille worked most of her life as a devoted housewife and loving mother helping out in the family's hardware and appliance store as needed. Following the family's move to Springfield in the 70's, Lucille worked in the lab at St. John's Hospital in Springfield until her retirement. Lucille was a patient and kind person consistently putting others needs ahead of hers. She devoted her life to her family giving of her time and self to meet their needs. Lucille loved to shop and was a collector of items she enjoyed the most such as Precious Moments figurines and plates. Her most favorite holiday was Christmas-she would begin preparing for the next Christmas as the current one was ending. Her family has many fond memories of past Christmas holidays spent with her as well as her precious smile that she always greeted you with and left you with. Lucille is survived by her four children, Debbi and husband Jeff Karwoski of Maumelle, Arkansas, Mike and wife Esther Watkins of Alzada, Montana, Sherri and husband Darrin Nichols of Ozark, Missouri, and Patrick and wife Kathy of Springfield, Missouri. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. In addition, Lucille is survived by her brother Roy and wife Phyllis of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, her brother Bob and wife Betty of Trenton, Missouri, and sister Beverly and husband Gerry of Palymra, Missouri. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 15, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A Rosary Service will follow. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Cathedral on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Msgr. Thomas Reidy, celebrant. Internment will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery.
