Rosemary Watkins

Rosemary Watkins, 94, of Ridgely, MO passed away Friday, April 22, 2016.

She was born on March 20, 1922 to Jonathan J. and Mabel Anna (Swaney) Swetnam near Edgerton, MO.  She grew up in Smithville and in 1940 graduated from Smithville High School.

On October 17, 1948 she was united in marriage to Minor Mitchell Watkins.  After their marriage they lived near Smithville until 1954 when they moved to Ridgely where they farmed and made their home.  Mitchell passed away on April 24, 2014.

Rosemary worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Smithville as a switchboard operator for several years and worked as a self-employed quilter for many years.  She loved to garden and grew the best strawberries. 

She was a member of the Kanas City Quilters Guild and the Kaw Valley Quilters Guild in Lawrence, Kansas.  She served as a Girl Scout Leader for troops in Smithville and also was a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack #174 in Trimble.  In 1933 Rosemary joined the Christian Church of Smithville and is currently a member of the Ridgely Christian Church.  In 1953 she joined the Order of the Eastern Star #287 in Smithville and later transferred to the Adelphi Chapter #389 in Edgerton where she was a Past Matron.  Rosemary was also a past District Deputy of the 21st District and a dual member in the Buena Vista #18 Order of the Eastern Star in Buena Vista, Colorado.

Rosemary was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister Martha Ellen Swetnam and one niece Delores Ann Wright.

She is survived by her son Michael Watkins and wife Betty, Trimble, MO; daughter Karla Gant and husband Chris, Ridgely, MO; grandchildren Malcolm Watkins and wife Alyssa, Byron Watkins and wife Carrie, Natalie Gilliard and husband Calin, and Joseph Gant; great-grandchildren Emmett Ray Watkins and Bella Rose Watkins; great-nephew Stephen Wright and great-niece Marlena Blackwell; other relatives and many friends.

Eastern Star Service: 1:00 p.m. with visitation following until Funeral Services at 2:30 p.m. all Sunday, May 1st at Ridgely Christian Church.

Burial:  Ridgely Cemetery

Arrangements Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Edgerton.

Donations may be made to the Northcare Hospice or the church.