Diane Marie Watkins, 71, of Sedalia, MO died Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Diane was born on September 22, 1949. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm in central Minnesota. She graduated From Foley High School in Foley, Minnesota in 1967. She went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a degree in Education and later received a Masters Degree from Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, Missouri.
She was married to John W. Watkins on July 8, 1972 in Foley, Minnesota. They lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota before moving to their home near Otterville, Missouri.
Diane spent her career as an educator and guidance counselor. This included time spent at Otterville, Smithton and Northwest High Schools, Smithton Elementary School and later in administration at State Fair Vocational Tech and Community College. Her caring personality brought her into the lives of many students and parents over the 30 years she spent in those schools.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John, and parents, Franklin and Ethel Meyer. She is survived by her loving family, including her son, Matthew R. Watkins and his wife, Kate, of St. Louis, Missouri, as well as two grandchildren, Grace and Walker Watkins; her siblings Charles (Von) Meyer, Gary Meyer, and Anita (Don) Deuel, who reside in Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.
Diane will be remembered for her passion and commitment to her work, notably the amount of time and care she put into all of her students. As a former home economics professor, she enjoyed spending her limited free time doing crafts and sewing projects. She was strongly committed to her family and would put all of her love and energy into making sure everyone was loved and cared for. On nights she wasn’t attending sporting events involving her son or students, you could find her watching the St. Louis Cardinals. It is not possible to put into words the impact she has had on so many lives.
The family will hold a private graveside service at Sunset Burial Park in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, October 2. A memorial scholarship will be established for Diane. Those wishing to make a contribution can contact the funeral home for details.
So sorry for your loss. I have so many happy cousin memories spending time with tbe Meyer kids. Diane was always sparkly and bubbly. Her smile lit up the room! God wrap you in his healing arms.
So sorry for your loss. I have so many happy cousin memories spending time with tbe Meyer kids. Diane was always sparkly and bubbly. Her smile lit up the room! God wrap you in his healing arms.
John & Diane were nice neighbors. She was always such an upbeat person, even in her health challenges. She was a grest supporter & encourager of all schhol students she dealt with. Diane was glad to pay Kent a bit to look out for their place when they were gone on vacations.
John & Diane were nice neighbors. She was always such an upbeat person, even in her health challenges. She was a grest supporter & encourager of all schhol students she dealt with. Diane was glad to pay Kent a bit to look out for their place when they were gone on vacations.
Prayers for the family. I really enjoyed working with Diane at the Smithton schools.
Saundra DeLarm
Prayers for the family. I really enjoyed working with Diane at the Smithton schools.
Saundra DeLarm
Kate and Matt, so sorry to see this. My thoughts are with you both. Take care.
Kate and Matt, so sorry to see this. My thoughts are with you both. Take care.
We lost touch after high school, but was a good good friend growing up. Condolences to the family!
We lost touch after high school, but was a good good friend growing up. Condolences to the family!
Matt, Kate, Grace and Walker,
We were so sorry to hear about your mom and grandmothers death. Diane was one of a kind and will be missed by many. She touched so many lives with her teaching but she touched a lot of lives just by her smile and great personality. We have lots of happy memories of the times and events we shared with both your parents. No words can describe what a super person she was and how she treated everyone she met. She was loved!
Matt, Kate, Grace and Walker,
We were so sorry to hear about your mom and grandmothers death. Diane was one of a kind and will be missed by many. She touched so many lives with her teaching but she touched a lot of lives just by her smile and great personality. We have lots of happy memories of the times and events we shared with both your parents. No words can describe what a super person she was and how she treated everyone she met. She was loved!
I send my sympathies, Matt. I remember your mom being such a gentle, soothing presence. I am so sorry that you have lost her.
I send my sympathies, Matt. I remember your mom being such a gentle, soothing presence. I am so sorry that you have lost her.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your parents were a part of my parents lives and they enjoyed getting together. Your mom was wonderful and I will miss her. She shared some pictures of your beautiful children, so glad she got to enjoy them. May God comfort you at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your parents were a part of my parents lives and they enjoyed getting together. Your mom was wonderful and I will miss her. She shared some pictures of your beautiful children, so glad she got to enjoy them. May God comfort you at this time.
I am so very sorry for your sad hearts.Thank goodness for such happy teenage memories and good times shared. Diane was such a kind and caring woman. She chose the perfect career for her loving heart. Even though we didn’t see each other in our adult years, I am missing you. Love to your family.
I am so very sorry for your sad hearts.Thank goodness for such happy teenage memories and good times shared. Diane was such a kind and caring woman. She chose the perfect career for her loving heart. Even though we didn’t see each other in our adult years, I am missing you. Love to your family.
I just recently learned of Diane’s passing. I lived a few doors down from Diane and her roommate, Kathy, our freshman year at Concordia College. We were referred to as the three musketeers because we were always together. Spur-of-the-moment nighttime trips to the Union for a turtle sundae were common with only a coat thrown over pjs. We rode the train to Foley to visit her family one weekend and we made a 5 hour car trip another weekend to visit my family in South Dakota. Such great memories. I loved her smile and her giggle. My sympathies to Diane’s family.
I just recently learned of Diane’s passing. I lived a few doors down from Diane and her roommate, Kathy, our freshman year at Concordia College. We were referred to as the three musketeers because we were always together. Spur-of-the-moment nighttime trips to the Union for a turtle sundae were common with only a coat thrown over pjs. We rode the train to Foley to visit her family one weekend and we made a 5 hour car trip another weekend to visit my family in South Dakota. Such great memories. I loved her smile and her giggle. My sympathies to Diane’s family.