- Born on: May 23, 1936
- Departed on: April 5, 2025
- Resided in: Owatonna, MN
Margaret Elizabeth Watkins
Margaret Elizabeth Watkins, age 88, of Owatonna, Minnesota, passed peacefully into eternity April 5, 2025, at Traditions of Owatonna. Margaret (Peggy) Watkins was born May 23, 1936, in Durand, IL, to Leslie and Bessie Lutz. She was born into a loving Christian family and was the second youngest child with 8 other siblings.
Peggy came to know Christ at the age of thirteen while attending the Gospel Tabernacle in Rockford, Illinois, where Reverend Gerald Boyer was the pastor. Through his influence she attended Detroit Bible Institute upon graduation from high school.
While attending Detroit Bible Institute, she met Lyonel Watkins, Jr. They were married June 4, 1960, and enjoyed almost 63 years of marriage before he passed away in 2023. Lyonel trained for ministry at Detroit Bible Institute, and they served together in various church ministries for over 44 years together.
She leaves behind two sons Kelly Watkins of Owatonna, Minnesota, and Kerry (Lori) Watkins of Cary, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Joshua Watkins, Jorden (Jessie) Watkins, Amy (Eric) Michel, Amanda (Daryn) McKevitt, Andrew Watkins, Jared Watkins, Megan Watkins, and Melissa Watkins; seven great-grandchildren: Riley Kreeger, Kirra Kraay, Sevin DeLeo, Caleb Watkins, Brooklyn Watkins, Lexi Michel, and Willow Watkins; and brother, Roger Lutz, and sister-in-law Sue (Don) Stearley.
She is preceded in death by her husband Lyonel Watkins Jr., her father and mother Leslie and Bessie Lutz, her mother and father in-law, Lyonel and Helen Watkins, several brothers and sisters, and a brother and sister-in-law.
Those that know Peggy would say she was a great homemaker, cook, and hostess. She loved decorating their MANY homes. She always enjoyed any time family visited. It always ended too soon. In the last couple of years, she became very fond of Cheetos and ice cream, particularly caramel toffee crunch and Butterfinger flavors from Kwik Trip. Thank goodness she lived less than a mile from a Kwik Trip.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but we are thankful for a gracious God who took her peacefully to Heaven and we have the peace of knowing we will see her again someday.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at 3:00 p.m., at Grace Baptist Church of Owatonna, Minnesota, with a visitation from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. A meal will follow the service.
