Elva Jane “Janie” (Gallagher) Watkins, 78,  beloved wife and mother, formerly of Olney, Illinois, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Orlando, Florida.

Jane, the youngest child of Jesse Henry and Elva Jane (Herring) Gallagher, was born in Olney, Illinois on September 28, 1933. She grew up in Calhoun, Illinois and graduated from Olney Township High School.

Jane married the love of her life, George Robert Watkins on June 16, 1951. They were blessed with four children: Sharon K. (Curtis) Kozer of Richland, Michigan; James K. (Deborah) Watkins of Marion, Illinois; Lynne A. (Matt) Beal of Orlando, Florida; and Linda L. (Robert) Borngasser of Arrowsmith, Illinois.
Her strength in life came from her faith in Jesus Christ and her family.

She had a passion for gospel music, flower gardening and cooking. She was a resident of Richland County most of her life, actively involved in farming with her husband until his retirement.

She is survived by her children; two grandchildren, Brett (Mandy) and Brian (Alexis) Watkins; two great-grandchildren, Dakota Watkins and Kristen Watkins; sister, June L. Pflaum; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; parents, Jesse and Elva; sister, Jolly M. Michels; brothers, Jesse J. and Robert J. Gallagher; and great granddaughter, Ashley N. Watkins.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - July 30, 2012