Alice J. Watkins

Alice Jeanette (Leslie) Watkins 97 of Michigantown, Indiana went, peacefully, to be with the Lord on February 24, 2021 at IU Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis. She was born May 25, 1923 in Rensselaer, IN to Charles L. and Orabelle (Swartz) Leslie. Alice graduated from Michigantown High School in 1942, she attended beauty school, and became a war bride to Donald R. Watkins on June 27, 1942; he preceded her in death on January 14, 1994.  She was a housewife, mother, and grandmother, who found joy in working in her yard with her flowers, giving friendly waves to the neighbors, and creating landscaping ideas. She had several bird feeders, so she could enjoy watching the birds outside her window. Her windows became a connection to the neighborhood, as she watched kids playing in the school yard, the outside activities, and enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons. She loved her family and talked with them daily, passing on information of those she cared about, while sharing pieces of her daily life. Through the years, Alice was the after-school babysitter for several Michigantown children, took in ironing for extra income, and spent time doing the hair of a few neighborhood ladies, just for some afternoon visiting time. She was proud of her family and ended every call or visit with “I love you.”

Alice is survived by her children; Michael (Jody) Watkins of Peru, Ronald Watkins of Michigantown, and Rhonda (John) Robertson of Michigantown. She is also survived by grandchildren; Bradley (Amee) Watkins of Oakland City, Ben (Michal Dawn) Watkins of Marion, Deana (David) Neff of Macy, and Sarah (Ryan) Christopher of Noblesville, a step grandson Chad Burns of Dunedin Florida, nine great grandchildren, two step great grandsons, and two great great grandsons. She also has two sisters-in-law, Esther Watkins of Rossville and Carolyn Becker of Angola, and several nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Charles (Orabelle) Leslie, husband Donald R. Watkins, son John Watkins, son and daughter-in-law Darryl (Diane) Watkins, grand-daughter Michele Watkins, two sisters, one sister-in-law, five brothers-in-law, and three nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort with Pastor Ben Watkins officiating.  Burial will follow in Whiteman Cemetery in Michigantown. 

Memorial contributions in Alice’s honor may be made to Calvary Assembly of God, 815 E. Bradford St., Marion, IN  46952.