Published on February 3, 2026 8:04 am
Last Updated on February 3, 2026 8:04 am
Barbara June Watkins, 93, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 7:19 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, in Shelbyville Manor.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 2, 2026, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home with Pastor Neva Carter officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date in Wright Cemetery, Findlay, IL. Memorials may be given to Lion of Judah Power Ministries.
Barbara was born on March 21, 1932, in Shelbyville, IL, the daughter of Delmar and Minnie Mildred (Johns) Bly. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1950. Barbara married Byron Kent Watkins on August 25, 1951, and they were blessed with six children. Barbara was a homemaker while caring for their children and later owned and operated the Handschuh House bed and breakfast in Shelbyville. Barbara was a talented artist and a great baker. She enjoyed painting and traveling and was a member of the Shelbyville Garden Club. Barbara will be remembered as a woman of great faith.
Barbara is survived by her children, Stephanie Thompson of Findlay, IL, David Watkins and wife Bridget of St. Elmo, IL, Nancy Watkins of Jacksonville, FL; Cecelia Hicks of Shelbyville, IL; Renee Bone and husband Jeff of Bethany, IL, and Charles Watkins and wife Katrin of Johnston, IA; 13 grandchildren, Carl Thompson, Heather Batson, Hilary Hoetger (Stuart), Chelsey Seibert (Carson), Tony Lopez (Monserrat), Audrey Lopez, Elizabeth Jackson (Ahmad), Alex Bone (Jade), Zachary Bone, Clayton Bone, Michael Watkins, Abby Watkins, and Sarah Watkins; 21 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Byron on January 22, 1988; son-in-law, Pastor Cletis “Rocky” Hicks; three brothers, Tom, Lloyd, and Delmar “Bud” Bly; and close friend, Virgil Urfer.
Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com