Martha May Merkel Watkins

Martha May Merkel Watkins, 90, passed away May 11, 2011 in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri on December 13, 1920 to William (Bill) Henry Merkel and Grace (Bruckner) Merkel. She was a graduate of Southwest High School, and attended Kansas City Junior College. While living in the Kansas City area, she worked for Rothschild’s and Skelly Oil Company, Arthur Murray on the Plaza, the H.D. Lee Company, and Johnson County Parks and Recreation. She founded Marty’s Dance Studio and enjoyed sharing her love of music and dance with thousands of students in the area. Another love was horses; the riding, care, parades, and competitions. She won numerous trophies in horsemanship and dance. Marty loved family gatherings and sharing time with children and grandchildren was special. She is survived by her children: Beth Carlson (Bob), Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jim Watkins (Debi) of Leawood, Rick Watkins of Kansas City, Missouri, Kevin Watkins of Overland Park and Susan Watkins. She is the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She was a member of Country Club Christian Church during her childhood, and enjoyed attending in recent years. She was a member of Wornall Road Baptist Church as well as Baptist churches in Raytown, Missouri, Clinton, Missouri and Springfield, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Grace, her sister Adele Hauer, her former husband James Watkins and her son William Clay Watkins. Visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. followed by funeral services at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road. Interment in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.