Martha Louise Watkins

Born June 11, 1940 in Chrisney, Indiana to Lloyd Alvin and Verneda Earldean (Meyer) Bays, she married Gary Lee Watkins on June 5, 1959 in Pekin.

Surviving is her husband of 65 years; two daughters, Glenna (Stephen) Roripaugh of Manito and Edith (Kurt) Wistehuff of Brimfield; one son, Kenneth Watkins of Hurley, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and one sister, Carol Reese of Manito.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, David Watkins and one brother, Lloyd Bays, Jr.

Martha had worked at Walmart in Pekin as an Assistant Manager for 25-plus before her retirement.

A loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, Martha enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, sewing and baking cookies. She also enjoyed taking pictures and traveling while seeing Gods beauty that was created for us.

Martha was a longtime and faithful member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Manito.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor John Worsham will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 or Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com