Patricia A Watkins

With her family by her side, Patricia Ann Watkins left mortality at the age of 72 on September 3, 2016; after a long courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Her positive attitude and concern for others throughout her life is an inspiration to those who know and love her.

Born in Salt Lake City on October 4, 1943, Pat was the oldest of five children of Colline (Kelly) Hansen and Edna May Tall. She had many fond memories of growing up with her siblings and having grandparents and cousins living nearby. As a young girl she loved to dance. Throughout her life she was a talented artist and loved to sing. She also loved to see talents blossom in her children and grandchildren and encouraged them in their pursuits. In September 1964 she married her high school sweetheart, Gary Watkins, in the Salt Lake Temple. During the early years of their marriage she worked to support her husband while going to school. When he received his PhD, she was awarded a PhT (putting hubby through) from the University of Utah.

Her family was always her first love - caring for them, and always trying to find ways to keep them together. She said that Lake Powell and the mountains were her very favorite places. She enjoyed bowling with her mom and sister for many years. She also loved having her grandchildren around her and did all she could to love and support them. Pat noted in her history - “My favorite things to do are: being with my family, bowling in the ladies’ league, family history, and traveling.”

She enjoyed working with the young women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints, serving as an advisor, counselor, and Young Women’s president. “Reesh” was truly loved by the young men and young women she served. In later years, she served and cared for others as Relief Society president. Pat also spent countless hours doing genealogy research not only to find her own ancestors. She also helped many others compile family history information including neighbors and other relatives.

Pat is survived by her husband Gary, children Sharlene (Bruce) Richards, Lisa (Ryan) Blake, Michelle (Nathan) Eliason, Jennifer (James) Mangum, Robert (Arleen) Watkins, and Kevin (Heather) Watkins, 33 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, as well as her three sisters Pennie (Ray) Horton, Pamela (Phil) Skolmoski, and Paulette (Neal) Jackman. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Kelly R. Hansen.

The family expresses appreciation for the staff of CareSource for their compassion and support in the last months of her life. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 9, 2016, 11:00 am at the Cottonwood 16th Ward, 1750 Spring Lane. A viewing will be held Thursday, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive and on Friday from 10:00 to 10:40 am at the church prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or do as Pat would and find a way to help someone you see who has a need. Online condolences may be shared at wasatchlawn.com.