Nancy Gail Watkins

Nancy Gail Watkins was born November 29, 1953 and passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Though her birth certificate said November 29, in unique Nancy style, we always celebrated her on the 30th because Grandma Lois swore that Nancy's birth certificate was wrong. She would have celebrated her 70th birthday in November and her 49th wedding anniversary in August.
Nancy was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend in the world. She was so kind and loving and would do anything for her family and friends. Nancy was always up for adventure and made everything in life more fun. She had a way about her that would bring such peace and comfort when you were in her presence. She will be missed immensely by everyone who knew her and especially by her family, who appreciate all the support and prayers as we try to accept this sudden loss.
Nancy was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Lois and Chuck McClanahan. Nancy attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri and received her nursing degree from Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph. She loved playing softball, reading books, working puzzles, and playing games. She made the most delicious food and desserts and loved spending quality time with family. In her nursing career, Nancy set the standard for compassion.
She married Crayton Watkins on August 17, 1974, and was an incredible mother to Amy, Brett, and Michael. She spent much of her motherhood taking the kids to the ballpark, ice-skating rink, summer reading programs, and various other adventures, in addition to road trips for figure skating competitions and hockey tournaments. Nancy did anything she could for her kids.
She is survived by her husband Crayton, her children, Amy and Donnie Eason, Brett and Jennifer Watkins, and Michael Watkins. She will be deeply missed by her 8 grandchildren, Harleigh (20), Hayden (18), Harper (14), Cameron (14), Reese (12), Sterling (9), Emma Sunshine (6), and Andrew (4). She has joined her brother Eli and is survived by her brothers and sisters, Dana and Dick Spiek, Wally McClanahan, Mike McClanahan, Scott and Lydia McClanahan, and Ann Adkins. She will be missed dearly by so many loving friends, colleagues, and coworkers.
This loss leaves Nancy's family with a hole that can never be filled, but also with a legacy and guiding light that we will treasure forever. She showed us how to cherish family unwaveringly, unselfishly, and unconditionally. She left each of her children and grandchildren with memories that they will hold dear for their entire life. Nancy will continue to be an example to all who knew and loved her. Be like Nancy.
There will be a celebration of her life in our hometown St. Joseph, Missouri in October and League City, Texas in November. We'll post more information as we plan the dates and locations.
In honor of Nancy's memory and love for animals, donations in her name may be made to the ASPCA (www.aspca.org).