Watkins Funeral Home Obituaries

About Watkins Funeral Home

Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that has been serving the community for years. With a commitment to providing exceptional service and support, Watkins Funeral Home has earned a reputation as one of the most respected funeral homes in the area.

A History of Compassionate Care

Watkins Funeral Home has a rich history of providing compassionate care to families during their most difficult times. The funeral home's experienced staff is dedicated to ensuring that every family receives personalized attention and guidance throughout the funeral planning process. From traditional funeral services to cremation and memorialization options, Watkins Funeral Home offers a range of services to meet the unique needs of each family.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Mary Beville - June 18, 1931 - March 27, 2023

Departed: 03/27/2023 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Mary Ellen Denison Beville, age 91, of Edgewater, Florida, formerly of Leitchfield, passed away, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Florida.

She was born June 18, 1931, in Michigan, to the late, Herbert and Susan Dion Denison. She was a homemaker and of the Pentecostal Faith.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, David Lee Beville; a son, Denis Beville and several brothers and sisters.

Mary is survived by two daughters, Caroline Coke and Barbara Beville both of Florida; two sons, Gibbon Beville of Grayson County and Earl Beville of Ohio; two sisters, Eleanor and Pat; a brother, Arthur and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 1 PM (CDT), Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at St. Joseph Cemetery in Leitchfield.

Visitation will be from 10 AM to 12:45 PM, Wednesday, at Watkins Funeral Home.

Watkins Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Lee Warren Hunter, Jr. - November 24, 1944 - March 22, 2023

Departed: 03/22/2023 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Lee Warren Hunter, Jr. age 78, of Leitchfield, formerly of California, passed away, Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Owensboro Health-Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center.

He was born November 24, 1944, in Fort Morgan, Colorado, to the late, Lee Warren Hunter, Sr. and Una Mae Duncan Hunter. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from October 1962-April 1966, during which time he did three tours in Vietnam. He retired as a supervisor for a wine club in the Napa Valley area and an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Wagner Hunter; a daughter, Tiffany Sweeney (Bryon) of Big Clifty; a brother, Allen Lehto of Wyoming; a sister, Cheryl McGuff of Alabama and seven grandchildren, Enoch, Isaiah, Noah, Demetrius, Anya, Levi and Rebekkah Nester.

Private services will be held at Watkins Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Leitchfield.

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Joyce Miller - April 23, 1941 - February 11, 2023

Departed: 02/11/2023 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Joyce L. Beville Miller, age 81, of Leitchfield, passed away, Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown.

She was born April 23, 1941, in Leitchfield, to the late James and Alene Whobrey Beville. She was a retired deli worker at Houchens and enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Darrell Stevenson and three sisters, Nola Hardin, Kathleen Blanton and Mary Miller.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Clayton Miller; a daughter, Stacy (Paul) Smallwood; three grandchildren, Wyatt Hale, Corey Stevenson and Trevor Stevenson; a sister, Anna Mae Witt; three brothers, Robert (Vicky) Beville, Ronald Beville and John (Carrie) Wolard and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home with Bro. Randall Dennis officiating. Burial will follow in the Holly Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 10 AM, Tuesday at the funeral home.

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Keith Oller - October 28, 1960 - December 20, 2022

Departed: 12/20/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Gregory Keith Oller, age 62, of Leitchfield, KY, left this life and made his journey to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at his home.

Keith was born October 28, 1960, in Leitchfield to the late Scottie LeRond and Shirley Wilson Oller. Twelve years later he became the big, proud brother to his only sibling, Todd Oller.

He was a beloved son, brother, family member and friend to so many he loved dearly. He is survived by his mother, Shirley Wilson Oller and brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Lisa Oller of Leitchfield.

He is survived by his loving family, Kay Wilson, son Kent and family, James Wilson (Jean), children, Karen, Laurie, Jeremy and families, Robert “Bob” Wilson, children DeAnn, Kim and families, Carolyn Dennis (Edward), children, Marsha, Neysa, Jason and families, Sandra Weiss (Emil), children Kris and Tim Weiss and family, Blanche Madsen (Lee), children Michael, Sara, Rachel and families, Phyllis Powell, children, Kendra, Chad and families, Patsy Beatty and the late Randy Beatty, children, Vannah, Lana and families. Also, surviving are countless friends he made during his life, with four being very special to him, Tim Harder, Don Bratcher, Kyle Block and John Whittaker.

He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents J.B. and Lorene Oller and Emmett and Mabel Wilson; uncle, Charles Wilson; cousin, Kevin Wilson and two very dear friends, Elmer Langdon and Ruben Vincent.

After graduating from Grayson County High school, he pursued his love for serving others and graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service. In 2004, his dream was fulfilled when he and his brother purchased Watkins Funeral Home and Rogers Funeral Home. Keith lived a simple life with the desire to help others. His greatest love and joy were serving his Lord and Savior as a Deacon at Clarkson Baptist Church. He was an avid lover of the Space Program, giving seminars to school age children and attending the Space Fest in Arizona, where he met and made many friends within the Space Program, including his dear friends, Astronaut Charlie Duke and his wife, Dottie. He had a passion for missions, working with John Coleman on the Indian Reservation in Arizona. He was a member of First Baptist Church Leitchfield.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Rogers-Oller Funeral Home with Bro. John Whittaker and Bro. Doug King officiating. Burial will follow in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM, Wednesday and after 8 AM, Thursday at the funeral home.

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Eula Marie Lucas - June 13, 1940 - November 20, 2022

Departed: 11/20/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Eula Marie Lucas, aged 82, passed away Sunday, November 20th, 2022, at Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center in Leitchfield.

She was born June 13th, 1940, to Willard and Roberta Mattingly.

Eula was a hardworking woman who loved to read and chat with friends. She was a retired operator from Phar Shar Manufacturing. She enjoyed watching her grand babies grow most of all.

She is survived by one son, Keith (Joy) Lucas and one stepson, Perry (Becky) Lucas; Five grandchildren Mitchell Lucas, Terri Lucas (Sean), Larrya Winchell (Tim), Jenna Lucas and Christian Lucas; Five great grandchildren Emma Lucas, Joy & Arthur Singleton, and Audrey & Everly Winchell; along with several nieces and nephews.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Lucas; one son Jim Lucas; an infant daughter Terri Lucas; one sister Linda Dennis; and two brothers Calvin and William Mattingly.

Cremation has been chosen and a private graveside ceremony will be held at Holly Baptist Church.

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Patricia Lewis - June 15, 1949 - November 10, 2022

Departed: 11/10/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Patricia N. Browning Lewis, age 73, of Leitchfield, passed away, Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Grayson Nursing and Rehab.

She was a beloved mother, daughter, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a member of Rineyville Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Audie and Lura Browning and her stepfather, Charles Truby.

She is survived by her daughter, Felicia Tate (Terry); her mother, Delia Ann Truby; two grandsons, Drew Tate (Emma) and Henry Tate; a great-granddaughter, Rory; two sisters, Jackie York (Lew) and Terry Hall (Lee); two brothers, Michael Truby (Donna) and Brian Truby (Ellen) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM, Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery at Falls of Rough.

Visitation will be after 10 AM, Wednesday at the funeral home.

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Nedra Jane Thomas - April 11, 1930 - October 07, 2022

Departed: 10/07/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Nedra Jane Cubbage Thomas, age 92, of Leitchfield, KY, passed away Friday, October 7, 2022, at Grayson Nursing and Rehab.

She was born April 11, 1930, in Clarkson, KY to the late Edward Whitsell and Grace Burns Cubbage.

She was member of Leitchfield United Methodist Church. Nedra was 1951 graduate of Methodist Evangelical Hospital School of Nursing. She then began her 46-year nursing career working in the private practice of Dr. Clyde J. Nichols in Clarkson and to numerous positions held at our local hospital. In retirement she logged 8,700+ hours with the hospital volunteer auxiliary. There she spearheaded the sock monkey project which provided hospitalized children with sock monkeys and various animals to help make their hospital stay a more pleasant experience. This project was given the HANDS award from the Kentucky Hospital Association.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Ralph G. Thomas; a brother, Walter Lewis Cubbage; a sister and brother-in-law, Wilma Cubbage and C. Farrell Meredith; a step-son, David Earl Thomas and an infant nephew, William Lewis Cabbage.

She is survived by two step-daughters, Sarah K. Thomas Warren and Linda B. Thomas (David Bailes); two granddaughters, Shannon Thomas Henderson (Ricky) and Kelly Warren; four special nieces and nephews, Sandra Cubbage Logsdon (Robert) and Karen Cubbage Decker (Randy), James Cubbage and Edward Cubbage (Darlene); three great-nieces, Amie Logsdon Guyton (Michael), Wanda Cubbage Dennis (Jason) and Jessica Logsdon Duggins (Robbie) and one great-nephew, Walter L. Cubbage (Angela). Several great-great nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home. A Nurse Honor Guard Ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the funeral service.  Burial will follow in the Clarkson Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 PM, Friday and after 9 AM, Saturday at the funeral home.

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Gerald Lee Schlosser - July 22, 1945 - August 27, 2022

Departed: 08/27/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Gerald “Jerry” Lee Schlosser, 77, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Grayson Nursing and Rehabilitation.  He was the son of the late Charles and Edna Schlosser.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gail Worley Schlosser; his daughter, Julie (Bob) Coy; his son, Brad (Amy) Schlosser; and his sister, Donna (Dennis) Arkenberg.

He is also survived by his granddaughters, Halee (Adam) Smith, Renee (Carl) Shannon, Abby Schlosser and Callie Schlosser.  Great Grandchildren Brendan and Faith Shannon and Jack, Lily, Landry, and Hattie Johnston Smith as well as several nieces and nephews also survive.

He proudly served Leitchfield/Grayson County in numerous ways.   His greatest passion was teaching.  He taught social studies at the middle school from 1968-1976.  He left the classroom to become an assistant principal from 1976-1977.  He returned to education in 1985 to teach Psychology and Sociology at Grayson County High School.  These classes were not the typical boring lecture classes.  He related real life events with class topics.  Each student was challenged to look inward and write a “Who Am I?” paper.  Real world issues like alcohol and drug abuse were also addressed with field trips to the GCDC.  Here students listened to inmates discuss what led them to where they were in life.  He also had a drunk diving section that exposed students to what it was like to be extracted from a vehicle by first responders.  Students were also given an interactive unit on fears and phobias that concluded with students given the opportunity to hold a live snake.

His love of teaching also followed him into his 43-year career as a volunteer firefighter for the Leitchfield Fire Department.  During this time, he served as Chief Training Officer for many years, training local firefighters as well as numerous others through the Dixie Fire School.  After starting as a firefighter in 1972, he worked his way through various officer positions before reaching the rank of Assistant Chief.  He advanced to the role of chief in 2012 and served in that position until he retired from active duty in July of 2015. His greatest accomplishments as chief were adding the ability for firefighters to bunk at Fire Station #1, achieving a higher rating for the department that allowed lower insurance rates for city residents and voting on the first female firefighters to the department.

He also served the residents of Leitchfield as a member of the city council.  He was on multiple councils in the 1960’s and 70’s, as well as the 2000’s.  As a member of the council he worked on numerous projects to improve the community including procuring federal funding for the Waste Water Treatment Plant that allowed numerous factories to come to Leitchfield.  The Leitchfield Aquatic Center was also constructed during his time on the council.  He also worked to get several improvements into the construction of Fire Station #1 for the Leitchfield Fire Department.

Jerry also had a passion for cars and racing from an early age. After graduating from Ahrens Trade School in Louisville focusing on auto mechanics, he began racing as a teenager at the Sportsdrome in southern Indiana.  In 1984 he restarted his racing career at Kentucky Motor Speedway in Whitesville, KY.  Over the course of four seasons he won numerous feature events and in 1985 won the Street Stock season points championship.  In 1993 he transitioned to racing on dirt at Central Park Raceway in McHenry, KY.  He moved to the UMP Open Wheel Modified Division in 1994.  The following year he finished 77th in the UMP National Points Championship (out of over 2,200 competitors).  He continued to race modifieds until ending his driving career in 2005.

In 1975 he began a career in real estate.  He founded Schlosser Realty and eventually was partners in Bratcher and Schlosser Real Estate and Agency 1 Real Estate.  He continued to sell real estate while teaching full time until 2013.  He also was the owner of Schlosser Appraisal Service performing real estate appraisals for numerous lending institutions in Grayson and Edmonson Counties.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home with Mark Claypool officiating. Burial will follow in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home in Leitchfield beginning Tuesday August 30th from 2:00-8:00, Wednesday 1:00-8:00 and Thursday 8:00-11:00 am with services following.

There will be an opportunity for friends to share memories on Wednesday at 6:30 pm.

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Paulette Phillips - November 30, 1961 - July 26, 2022

Departed: 07/26/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Paulette Elaine Phillips, age 60, of Leitchfield, passed away, Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Spring View Nursing and Rehab.

She was born November 30, 1961, in Joliet, Illinois to the late William Paul Phillips, Sr. and Aline Margie Clark Phillips. She attended Clarkson Community Church and was a retired manager for Subway.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gary Phillips and William Paul Phillips, Jr.

She is survived by two daughters, Talia (Chris) Martin and Candice Phillips; a son, Tyler (Dana) Darnell, five grandchildren, Dakota Wright, Cole Martin, Noah, Easton, and Raylon Finn; and a brother, Michael (Betty) Phillips. Funeral services will be held at 2PM, Friday, July 29, 2022, at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home with Bro. Curtis Decker officiating. Burial will follow in Leitchfield Memorial Gardens

Visitation will be after 10 AM, Friday at the funeral home.

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James Booth - January 09, 1953 - July 22, 2022

Departed: 07/22/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: James Thomas Booth, 69, of Leitchfield graduated from this life and went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 22, 2022.  Jim was born on January 9, 1953, the son of the late Henry Thomas Booth and Geneva Coffey Booth.  He was retired from the City of Leitchfield where he served for 22 years.  He loved life, the Lord, his family, friends, motorcycles and bluegrass music.  He was a simple but unique man who always had a smile on his face and a willingness to help others.

He is survived by his wife, Christy (Logsdon) Booth, son James Booth II (Renee), daughter, Jill Scott, sisters Nancy Reich (Pete), Sue Mattingly (Rex) and Kathy Clemons (William), a grandson Corben Lee Southard and lots of nieces and nephews.

Jim requested no formal funeral service.  However, there will be a celebration of life and potluck dinner in the weeks to come.  That will be posted when a date and time has been arranged.

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Gary Meredith - March 10, 1956 - June 21, 2022

Departed: 06/21/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Gary Ray Meredith, age 66, of Leitchfield, passed away, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Owensboro Health-Twin Lakes.

He was born March 10, 1956, in Grayson County to Herbert and Adaline Davis Meredith. He was a plumber with M & M Plumbing.

He is survived by his parents, Herbert and Adaline Meredith; a brother, Ronnie Meredith; a sister, Lisa Scarbrough and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, June 24, 2022, at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home with Bro. Kenneth Smiley officiating. Burial will follow in the Wortham Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM, Thursday and after 9 AM, Friday at the funeral home.

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Robert Wiley Aldridge - January 31, 1966 - June 21, 2022

Departed: 06/21/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Robert Wiley Aldridge, age 56, of Hudson, passed away, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Breckinridge Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 31, 1966, to the late Bob and Edith Aldridge. Originally a Tool & Dye Maker by trade, Robert was a talented master wood craftsman, luthier, golfer, preacher, farmer, jokester and loving husband. Even through adversity, he always wore a smile and made it a point to try to make others smile as well. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandbabies most of all. Robert was a member of the Madrid Pentecostal Church and he enjoyed sharing the Word with others, working in his garden and raising chickens with his wife of thirty-six years.

He is survived by his wife, Lena Dennis Aldridge; three sons, Spencer Aldridge, Shaun Aldridge (Jay) and Joshua Aldridge (Piper); six grandchildren, Emmerson, Cooper, Axel, River, Ryker and Jocelyn; three sisters, Peggy “Susie” Riddle, Debbie Aldridge and Teresa Aldridge and several nieces and nephews.

Though we are in sorrow with great sadness, we celebrate his life.

Funeral services will be he held at 11 AM (CDT), Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home with Bro. Billie Laslie and Bro. Josh Milburne officiating. Burial will follow in the Madrid Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM, Friday and after 9 AM, Saturday at the funeral home.

Watkins-Oller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Ralph Lucas - September 29, 1940 - June 10, 2022

Departed: 06/10/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Ralph Leslie Lucas, aged 81, passed away Friday, June 10th, 2022, at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown.

He was born September 29th, 1940, to Carl and Retha Lucas.

Ralph was a piddler who loved flea markets, fishing and tinkering, especially with clocks. He was retired from Vermont American as a tool crib attendant. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends most of all.

He is survived by his wife, Eula Lucas; two sons Keith Lucas (Joy) and Perry Lucas (Becky); Five grandchildren Mitchell Lucas, Larrya Winchell (Tim), Terri Lucas (Sean), Jenna Lucas and Christian Lucas; Five great grandchildren Emma Lucas, Audrey & Everly Winchell and Joy and Arthur Singleton; and one sister Joyce Hayes (Royce) along with many nieces and nephews.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Jim Lucas; two sisters Allene Raymer and Jean Moffett and two brothers, Alfred and Charles Lucas.

Cremation has been chosen and a private graveside burial will be held at a later date.

Watkins- Oller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Gary Kay Albro - June 11, 1951 - June 04, 2022

Departed: 06/04/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Gary Kay Albro, age 70, of Leitchfield, passed away, Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Hartford House in Owensboro.

She was born June 11, 1951, in Denver, Colorado to the late, Gary and Margie Neie. She was a former employee of Wal-Mart and a housewife.

She is survived by her husband, James Albro; a daughter, Shannon Hathaway and two half-brothers, Ricky Long and Monty Long.

Cremation was chosen and her ashes will be buried at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff.

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Dorothy Zell Duvall - October 06, 1926 - May 29, 2022

Departed: 05/29/2022 (Leitchfield)

Obituary Preview: Dorothy Zell (Matthews) Duvall, age 95 of Lawrenceville passed away at Aperion Care Bridgeport IL, with her family by her side on May 29, 2022.

Dorothy was born on Oct. 6, 1926, in Seminole, TX to Samuel 'Shorty' and Madolyn Matthews. She married Mitchell Duvall on Sept. 29, 1942, and relocated to Leitchfield, Ky.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Mitchell, and her daughter Margaret Jane. She was also preceded in death by her parents and several siblings.

Dorothy spent her life serving God and raising her 8 children. She is survived by two brothers, Richard and Lynn and her children oldest to youngest, Magdalene Allen of KY, Stephen Duvall and wife Sandy of TN, James Duvall and wife Debi of KY, Joseph Duvall and wife Nancy of KY, Mary Ann Hart and husband John of IN, Gloria Dickson and husband Chris of KY, and Sandra Cary and husband Steve of IL. She also leaves behind a host of loving Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren.

Dorothy was a member of the Lawrenceville Free Methodist Church and an avid supporter of Evangelist Billy Graham. She enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, and music but her true passion was taking care of children. She lived her life as a devout Christian and was loved by everyone that knew her.

Though we are in sorrow with great sadness, we celebrate her life and the never-ending love she gave us.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, (CDT), Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Watkins-Oller Funeral Home with Bro. Roy Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Williams Cemetery. Visitation will be after 9 AM, Thursday at the funeral home. "On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased." Psalm 138:3

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Services Offered

Watkins Funeral Home provides a comprehensive range of services to help families honor their loved ones. These services include:

- Traditional funeral services with visitation and burial

- Cremation services with memorialization options

- Memorial services and celebrations of life

- Pre-planning and pre-funding options

- Grief support and counseling resources

The Importance of Pre-Planning

At Watkins Funeral Home, the staff understands the importance of pre-planning for end-of-life care. By pre-planning, individuals can ensure that their final wishes are respected, while also relieving their loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions during a time of grief. The funeral home's experienced staff is available to guide individuals through the pre-planning process, answering questions and providing guidance on all aspects of funeral planning.

Caring for Your Loved One

Watkins Funeral Home is committed to caring for your loved one with dignity and respect. The funeral home's state-of-the-art facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for families to gather and pay their respects. The staff is trained to handle all aspects of funeral preparation, from cosmetology to restorative arts, ensuring that your loved one is presented with dignity and respect.

A Commitment to the Community

Watkins Funeral Home is deeply committed to the Manchester community. The funeral home's staff is actively involved in local organizations and charities, working to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them. Through community events and outreach programs, Watkins Funeral Home demonstrates its dedication to serving others and providing support during times of need.

Grief Support Resources

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, but it doesn't have to be faced alone. Watkins Funeral Home offers a range of grief support resources to help individuals cope with their loss. From support groups to counseling services, the funeral home's staff is committed to providing ongoing support and guidance throughout the grieving process.

Contacting Watkins Funeral Home

If you're in need of funeral services or simply have questions about the funeral planning process, don't hesitate to contact Watkins Funeral Home. The funeral home's staff is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer support during your time of need. You can reach Watkins Funeral Home by phone at [insert phone number], or by visiting their website at [insert website URL].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It serves as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with friends, family, and community.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries are important because they provide a way to honor and remember the deceased, while also informing others of their passing. They can also serve as a keepsake for family and friends, and can be used to share memories and stories about the person who has passed.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, an obituary is written by the family of the deceased, often with the assistance of a funeral home or mortuary. In some cases, a friend or colleague may also write an obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their surviving family members, occupation, hobbies, and accomplishments.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and focused on the most important information. A good rule of thumb is to aim for around 150-200 words.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online obituary platforms allow you to include photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to add a personal touch and help readers visualize the person who has passed.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

The process for submitting an obituary to a newspaper varies, but typically involves contacting the newspaper's obituary department or using their online submission form. Be sure to check their guidelines for word count, format, and deadlines.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only the most basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a more detailed tribute that includes additional biographical information and often includes stories and memories about the person who has passed.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, it's becoming more common for people to write their own obituaries in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise and can ensure that your life story is told in your own words.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. Some newspapers charge by the word or line, while others offer package deals or discounts for online publication.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, there are many online platforms that allow you to publish an obituary. These can be especially useful for reaching a wider audience or for those who prefer not to publish in a traditional newspaper.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time it takes for an obituary to be published varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. Some may publish immediately, while others may have a delay of several days or even weeks.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In some cases, it may be possible to make corrections or changes to an obituary after it's been published. However, this is not always possible, so it's essential to proofread carefully before submission.

What if I want to keep the obituary private?

If you want to keep the obituary private, you can opt for a private or password-protected online memorial page. This allows you to share the information with only those you choose.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, including quotes or lyrics that were meaningful to the person who has passed can be a nice way to personalize the obituary and add context to their life story.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice errors or inaccuracies in an obituary, contact the newspaper or online platform immediately. They will work with you to correct the mistake and republish the revised version.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers in the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to honor the person who has passed while also supporting a worthy cause.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're not comfortable writing an obituary yourself, consider asking a friend or family member for help. Many funeral homes also offer assistance with writing and submitting obituaries.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search online archives of newspapers or use genealogy websites that specialize in collecting historical records. Local libraries or genealogical societies may also have resources available.

Can I reuse an existing obituary template?

Yes, many online resources offer pre-designed templates for writing an obituary. These can be helpful guides, but be sure to customize the content to fit your needs and preferences.

What if I need help with grammar or spelling in an obituary?

If you're concerned about grammar or spelling errors in your obituary, consider asking someone with strong writing skills for review and editing assistance.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, incorporating humor into an obituary can be a great way to celebrate the person's personality and spirit. Just be sure to balance humor with respect and tact.

How do I know what information is appropriate for an obituary?

A good rule of thumb is to focus on sharing positive memories and achievements that highlight the person's life story. Avoid including sensitive or controversial information that might cause discomfort for others.

Can I include pets in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include beloved pets in the list of survivors or mention them as part of the person's life story. This can be a touching way to acknowledge their importance in the person's life.