Anna - Judith "Judy" L. Watkins, 69, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior at 10:20 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, in Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.
Judy was born to James R. and Margaret (McCarty) Lutz on Sept. 27, 1937.
Raised in Anna, she graduated Anna-Jonesboro with the class of 1955.
She married the love of her life, John H. Watkins, on Nov. 21, 1956.
Together they traveled the country and even the globe for over 50 years, settling for a time in Granby, Conn., where they continue to have family and cherished friends.
Judy was a devoted and nurturing mother, whose children always knew they were loved.
She selflessly shared her love of learning with all of her children and grandchildren.
Judy was an artist with the soul of poet.
She had a deep abiding love of art, music and literature and admired virtuosity in anything.
She loved to learn new things and try new artistic mediums.
She was an avid woodworker, eventually becoming an expert wood turner.
She loved to garden, draw, sketch, paint, knit and sew needle point.
Her handmade gifts are cherished heirlooms among family and close friends.
After many adventurous years, Judy and John retired to Anna, where Judy became active in First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Anna, where she had many dear friends.
She was a passionate and voracious reader and became an elected member of the Friends of the Stinson Library and was recently elected to serve as President of the Friends.
In addition to her husband, John, Judy is survived by her four children, David Watkins and his wife, Stephanie, of Granby, Conn., Susan Young and her partner, Jeffrey Price, of Shutesbury, Mass., Brian Watkins and his wife, Laurie, of Hartland, Conn. and Laura Watkins of Hamburg, N.J. In addition, she will missed by her six beloved grandchildren, Jeffrey and Christopher Young, Daniel and Jessica Watkins, Charles Griffin III and Emily Janssen. Judy is also survived by her brothers and their wives whom she loved so dearly, Michael and Edna of St. Anne, Mo., Jon and Joyce Lutz of Anna, Timothy and Joyce Henderson of Kentucky; and her younger brother Steven.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Peter and Julian "JT."
A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna, with the Rev. Dan Borgelt officiating.
Interment will be in Ebenezer Hall Cemetery.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, at the funeral home.
Memorials to Judy may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Friends of Stinson Library.
Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
You are loved Judy, rest in the peace of Christ.
Published in The Southern Illinoisan from 8/26/2007 - 8/27/2007