Kathleen A. Watkins, 67, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 2:10 pm on Friday, January 5, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

She was born on June 24, 1956 in Peoria, IL, to William M. and Nancy A. (Smith) Crandell. She married Bernard J. "Bernie" Watkins on August 26, 1978, in Metamora, IL at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Surviving are her husband, Bernie of Germantown Hills; children, Jennifer (Adam) Clay of Chillicothe, IL, Tonia (Matt) Frey of Geneva, NE, and Chad (Mara Spooner) Watkins of Ames, IA; nine grandchildren, Noah, Jillian, Zoey, Lucy, Hailey, Aubrey, Katelyn, Gabby, and Anderson; and ten siblings, Jeff (Beverly) Crandell, Maureen (Dean) Wiechman, Teresa (Jack) Wall, Trish Crandell, Carol Green, Cheryl (Rick) Cosser, Karen (Edmund) Halabi, Bonnie Adams, Mary Arnold, and Susan (Jeff) Wernsman; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Mike Crandell and Tim Crandell.

Kathy worked in clerical at OSF St. Clare in Washington, IL. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora. Kathy always said to the family "we are blessed." Kathy loved spending time with her husband, Bernie, traveling to see kids and grandkids at sporting events, band concerts, and grandparents day at school. She also enjoyed traveling with her sisters.

Kathy was known to be quite the baker, especially during the holidays. Kathy's beautiful smile and love will be missed by her family and all her friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 12, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father David Kipfer officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 3:30 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024 with visitation to follow from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Children's Hospital of Illinois, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Children's Hospital of Illinois
530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria IL 61637