Georgia Ruth Watkins, 75 of Boonville, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 28, 2022, after battling several health issues.  

She was born in Chillicothe, Missouri, on April 13, 1947, to Gilbert and Eugenia (Gay) Romesburg, Sr. Upon the passing of her father when she was two years old, she was raised by her aunt Fern Romesburg Curry McCoy. She moved to Boonville when she was 16 and graduated in 1965 from Boonville High School. She married Bill Watkins on June 11, 1965.

Georgia always took care of others, from lovingly caring for her husband and family as a homemaker to never being able to turn away a “stray,” whether that be a person or an animal. Although she only had one child, all of her daughter’s friends called her “Mom.” She took several family members into her home in times of need. She loved animals, from raising baby skunks when their mother was killed to feeding all the stray cats and their many litters of kittens that came to her home. She loved visiting with friends and family, attending garage sales, and quilting.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 57 years Bill Watkins, one daughter and “the best son-in-law,” Teresa and John Gately of Round Rock, Texas; the light-of-her-life grandson, Jacob Gately, of Round Rock, Texas; brother Gilbert Romesburg of Chillicothe, Missouri; sister-in-law Charlene Agent; “second grandson” Blake Huggins; beloved nieces Regina (Aaron) Huggins, and Hannah (Darren) FitzGerald; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her and will miss her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Alice, and infant brothers William and Elmer.

Services honoring Georgia’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin with Rev. Tim Fairley officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the service at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville.

Following the burial, please feel free to join the family at their home for food, laughter, and sharing of memories as they remember Georgia’s life.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Columbia Second Chance (Animal Rescue).

Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.