Dorothy Helen (Barnes) Watkins, formerly of Princeton, MO passed to her heavenly home on May 15th, 2025 at the Sunnyview Nursing Home in Trenton, Mo. at the age of 93.
Dorothy was born on December 17th, 1931 to William “Paul” and Fernie Eleanora (Bennett) Barnes in Trenton, Mo.
Dorothy grew up in Trenton, attending school and as a teenager worked at the Kress Dimestore before her marriage.
On October 16th, 1949 Dorothy was united in marriage to Sydney Irl Watkins of Spickard, Mo. To this union four sons were born; David Irl, Ricky Alan, Ronald Lee and Gary Wayne.
Here lifetime achievements included being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also devoted much of her life as a caretaker for family including both her mom and dad in their final years, her mother-in-law as she yielded to the effects of cancer, plus caring for her husband, Sydney as he dealt with ALS.
Dorothy also devoted a lot of time caring for and spending time with her grandchildren, going above and beyond as circumstances needed.
While attending a revival service with her daughter-in-law and newborn grandson, Justin, Dorothy rededicated her life to Christ at the Modena Baptist Church where she and Sydney became very active members. While at Modena, Dorothy taught a youth Sunday School class where all the children called her grandma, and once in that class they never seemed to move on to the next.
After moving to Princeton in 2003, Dorothy and Sydney became active in the First Christian Church where she quickly assumed the names of “Grandma Dorothy’ or “Gary’s mom.’
Besides her family and church activities, Dorothy was best known for her love and talent for sewing, making many quilts, cooking aprons, hot pads etc. She also enjoyed teaching her daughters-in-law the addiction of quilting, creating many heirlooms for her family and friends.
Despite her battle with dementia, Dorothy maintained her sweet loving personality to the end, becoming a favorite resident of the staff and nurses.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and oldest son, David, two daughters-in-law ; Joy (Kilburn) Watkins and Carolyn (Owens) Watkins, two brothers; William Barnes and Larry D. Barnes and a sister Virginia Atkins all of Trenton. She is survived by three sons; Rick and wife Connie of Spickard, MO., Ron and wife Rita of Meridian MS., and Gary and wife Cherie of Princeton, MO., also by one sister; Janice Rhinehart of Trenton, Mo and one brother; Richard and wife Suzie of Maple Hills, KS.
Dorothy is also survived by numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some related, many by choice.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24,2025 at the First Christian Church at Princeton, MO. Dorothy has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, MO. Inurnment will be held at later date in Maple Grover Cemetery, Trenton, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church youth program. Mailing address : PO Box 164 Princeton, Mo 64673.
