Helen Watkins worked as fundraiser for several Bluffton projects

Helen M. Watkins, 95, died at 7:36 a.m., Sunday, April 1, 2018, at Bluffton Hospital. She was born on Sept. 20, 1922, near Columbus Grove, to Walter and Opal (Sharp) Ketner. They preceded her in death.

On Oct. 9, 1942, she married Byron E. Watkins, who preceded in death, Dec. 14, 2002.

Helen is survived two sons, Jerry B. (Susan) Watkins and William D. (Louise) Watkins; two daughters, Wynona M. Wilhelm and Nita S. (Jeff) Hashbarger; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and one sister in-law, Isabella Watkins.

She was preceded in death by one son in-law, Dan Wilhelm.

Helen was a graduate of Columbus Grove High School, class of 1940.  She was a homemaker and had worked for the Triplett Corporation, formerly in Bluffton, and was a volunteer fund raiser for Bluffton Hospital, for its mid-1960s building campaign.  She worked for the fund raising office at Bluffton College in the late 1960s for the construction of Marbeck  Center.

Services will begin at noon, Saturday, April 7, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove. Pastor Duane Kemerley will officiate with burial to follow in Truro Cemetery, Columbus Grove.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., prior to time of the service at Hartman Sons Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Hospice of Bluffton Hospital, Pandora Methodist Church or Maple Crest Assisted Living.

Online condolences may be expressed at hartmansonsfuneralhome.com.