Betty Lou (Rickly) Watkins peacefully passed away at Englewood Community Hospital, Englewood, Florida with her daughter and granddaughter by her side, and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus November 15, 2020. Betty was born March 31, 1927 in Columbus, Ohio to Oscar and Vera (Harris) Rickly. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles Richard Watkins, son, Charles Scott Watkins, granddaughter, April Lou Hitchcock, Betty is survived by her son, Jeffery (Peggy) Watkins, of Manitou Springs, CO, daughters, Cathy (Steve) Rippel, Delaware, OH and Vicki Thomas of OK; brother, William (Jeanne) Rickly of Westerville, Ohio; two sisters, Mina May Williamson of Gnadenhutten, Ohio, and Mary Ann (Tom), Storkel of Columbus, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren. many nieces and nephews; dear Canadian friends, The Hilderley families and many dear friends and neighbors. Betty was a homemaker, where she was always gardening, canning, sewing and making homemade pies. Betty was a past Eastern Star Worthy Matron and excelled at bowling having once a 300 series. Mom and Dad retired to Port Charlotte FL in 1984, where they enjoyed the retirement life until Dad's passing in 1989. Betty continue to live in Port Charlotte and was busy with her golf, taking computers classes, line dancing, playing cards, bingo, crossword puzzles (everyday), reading books by Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts and Nicholas Sparks her favorite authors, and working in her flower beds. She had a passion for sewing Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for her church Rummage sales. She was a friend to whomever that needed a ride to doctor appts, church and bingo. On Mom's 90th birthday, I had asked friends to shower her with birthday cards, and she received well over 100 cards. She was so overwhelmed and read each card over and over in fact when it was over she was disappointed when she went to the mailbox and there wasn't a card!. For two weeks prior there were cards in mailbox each day. I had asked her not to open any until I got to FL and on her birthday she could open them. Christina and I also held a surprise birthday party and she couldn't believe the local friends and neighbors that had come over to her home. That was such a fun day for her.
Special Thank you to Rosie Swisher for sitting with Mom until I got to her, and Deputy Collins, of the Englewood Sheriff Office for her loving care to Mom.
Please if any elderly person living alone reading this obituary please have a life alert button with you at all times. Mom's outcome could have been different if she would have just worn hers.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Kingwood Memorial Park November 27, 2020 at Noon. Pastor Phil Rode officiating.