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Leslie Watkins Obituary
March 30, 1957 - June 10, 2025
Leslie Watkins, 68, of Taylor Ridge, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, surrounded by family.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be left to Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan or Quad City Rehabilitation Institute Stroke Support Group of the Quad Cities Area.
Leslie was born on March 30, 1957, in Reading, Pa., the daughter of Rowland "Dyke" and Jean (Worthington) Firth. She grew up in Mount Prospect, Ill. and attended the University of Illinois. She married Mike Watkins on September 12, 1981, in Rock Island. Leslie had a variety of jobs throughout her life including interior designer, office manager and stay at home mom.
She was a devoted wife, mother and the best Nana to her grandson, Jett, her "very favorite tiny human". Leslie was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, loved reading, and enjoyed watching her son's sporting events.
Survivors include her husband, Mike; son and daughter-in-law, Travis and Ashley Watkins; grandson, Jett; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rowland and Susan Firth, Scott and Susan Firth; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dyke and Jean Firth.
Online condolences may be left to the family at wheelanpressly.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Watkins
Sponsored by Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory - Milan.
2 Entries
Bryon Finger
August 26, 2025
I knew Leslie from freshman and sophomore year in HS. We dated for a good portion of those years. Had a fantastic time at various school dances. I´ll always remember her for her dedication to everything she did including our relationship. We kept in touch over the past several years and she always shared stories of her son and how much she cared about his career and his own marriage. She was so excited when they recently gave her a grandchild. She will be missed greatly. Prayers to her and her family.
Gary Lyp
August 26, 2025
My Deepest Condolences to Leslie Family. I went to school in Jr High but really got to know Leslie, Freshman & Sophomore year. She had a contagious Smile and Smirk. We double dated to a few school dances and talked in the hallways at PHS.
A few years ago we reconnected and talked a few times. She loved Her Son Very Much and told me about fixing up the house. I was impressed with what she learned to do. I was always hoping to see her at one of the reunions but she wasn´t going to let her classmates see what happened with her health issues. God Hold You Now in The Palm of His Loving Hands And Rid You Of Every Earthly, Health Issues !! Love An Old Friend
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Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory - Milan201 E 4th Avenue, Milan, IL 61264
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