Barbara Ann Haskins

Barbara was born on August 2, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas, to Clifford and Pearl (Willhour) Scates.

She attended school in Wichita and graduated from East High School before attending dental assistant school. In 1946, she married Ralph Watson, and together they had five children: Donagene, Sheryl, Michael, Randy, and Becky. The family moved to Boulder in 1955, and Barbara and Ralph later divorced.

On June 18, 1965, Barbara married Austin Haskins in Boulder. Austin brought his daughter, Stacia, into the marriage, and together they built a loving home in Boulder until 1999, when they moved to Longmont to be closer to family.

Barbara worked for Dr. Paul Franklund, DDS, for more than 25 years as a dental assistant. After retiring, she opened an in-home daycare where she lovingly cared for the children of several CU Boulder professors. She often spoke fondly of her daycare children and enjoyed following their lives as they grew older.

Barbara was an excellent seamstress who made quilts for her children and grandchildren, as well as Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for the children in her daycare. Holidays were especially important to her. Christmas was always a grand family celebration filled with wonderful meals, countless presents, and treasured memories. Her desserts, especially her pies, were second to none.

Family camping trips brought her great joy, even though she spent much of the time cooking for everyone. She also loved reading, and even after losing her eyesight, she continued enjoying books on tape. And, of course, there were her Colorado Rockies, she kept cable television for the sole purpose of watching Rockies baseball.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Austin Haskins; her son, Randy Watson; two great-grandsons, Brody and Sterling; her daughter-in-law, Iris Watson; her sister, Rogene Mahaffey; and her brother, Roy Scates.

She is survived by her children, Dona Johnson, Sheryl Alvarez, Michael Watson, Stacia Kabbash, and Becky Watson; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A gathering to celebrate Barbara’s life and share memories will be held at Howe Mortuary in the Community Room on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to stop by at any time during those hours to visit, share memories, and honor Barbara’s life.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Ft Logan National Cemetery alongside her husband, Austin, at a later date.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Teri, Siri, Danee, and Toni for the compassionate care they provided during the last weeks of Barbara’s life. She loved each of you and truly enjoyed your company.

Cremation is entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Haskins family.