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BORN

1949

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th

Lawrence, Kansas

Phyllis Watkins Obituary

Phyllis Ann Meitl Watkins, daughter of Philip G. And Eleanor P. (Kruse) Meitl, was born on August 14, 1949, in Oakley, Kansas, and passed away, February 1, 2018 at the age of 68 after a long and courageous battle with MS. Phyllis grew up in Oakley, Kansas and attended schools there. After graduation in 1967, Phyllis attended St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, KS, and Emporia State University from which she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1971. After college, Phyllis taught 5th grade for two years at Charles Drew Elementary School in a migrant education program west of Pompano Beach, Florida.

After returning to Kansas, Phyllis married Dan Watkins on October 20, 1973. Phyllis and Dan settled in Lawrence, Kansas where they became the proud parents of four sons. Together with her husband, Phyllis was actively involved in many sports, community, and family activities. Phyllis was easy going and lit up every room she entered. Her laid back nature, however, did not necessarily prevent her strong insistence on having well-mannered and educated sons.

After teaching at Williamsburg Elementary in the Perry-Lecompton School District, Phyllis received a Master of Science Degree in Library Science from Emporia State University in 1977, after which she served as a school librarian in several schools in the Perry-Lecompton and Lawrence School Districts for over 20 years. Throughout her career, collaborating with teachers, Phyllis specialized in setting up libraries in new elementary schools teaching library utilization and technology. Phyllis retired from teaching in 2007.

Phyllis was active in the community serving as a member of the of the Kansas Dental Board, the Lawrence Public Library Board, the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club Board as well as belonging to an MS support group and several book clubs. Phyllis also served an active member of the Lawrence Community and was also president of the Old West Lawrence Association.

Survivors include husband, Dan Watkins, Lawrence, KS; and four sons: Matthew (Tricia) Watkins, Kansas City, KS; Andrew (Belen) Watkins, Quito, Ecuador; Patrick (Kirsten) Watkins, Lawrence, KS and Daniel Joseph (DJ) Watkins, Aspen, CO. Phyllis is also survived by five Watkins grandchildren: Hailey, Sarah, Addison, Owen and Mia. Other survivors include three sisters: Mary (Dick) Robison, Overland Park, KS, Alice (Gary) Schafersman, Drexel, MO; and Janet (Philip) Groves, Prairie Village, KS, and four brothers: John (Claire) Meitl, Elliott City, MD; Jim (Susan) Meitl, Sundry, Alberta, CANADA; Bill (Pam) Meitl, Mulvane, KS; and Alan (Traci) Meitl, St. Louis, MO.

Sisters and Brothers-in-law (the outlaws) include: Bob (Julie) Watkins, Dallas, TX; John (Melissa) Watkins, Lawrence, KS; Marianne (Stan) Magady, Overland Park, KS; Jeanne (Gene) Shinstock, Lincoln, NE; Tom (Kyung) Watkins, SOUTH KOREA; Jim (Ruth) Watkins, Wyong, NSW, AUSTRALIA, Barb Sack & (Gene Hodges), Leawood, KS; Bill (Connie) Watkins, Leawood, KS; Molly (Dan) DiCarlo, Covington, GA; Fran (Neil) Douthat, Mission Hills, KS; David (Theresa) Watkins, Overland Park, KS; and Pat (Shannon) Watkins, Overland Park, KS.

Phyllis is also survived by forty-two nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Phil and Eleanor Meitl, her father-in-law and mother-in-law Daniel and Barbara Watkins her brother, Robert, and sister-in-law Alice Scherzberg and her husband Jim.

The family would especially like to thank Phyllis' long-time kind and compassionate caregivers – Carolyn, Deidre, and Terri from VNA - and Carol Pilant, Linda Beilman, and Carol Reynolds who spent many hours with her, reading and helping her enjoy life.

A visitation will be held at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2018. All are invited to join the family for fellowship following the visitation in the basement of the Burger Stand at 803 Massachusetts starting at 5:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church at 1234 Kentucky in Lawrence at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2018 with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at the Cider Gallery following the burial.

Contributions in her memory can be made to the National MS Society or Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Feb. 3, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Watkins

Not sure what to say?





What a nice thing that the mortuary reminds people that the pain of losing a loved continued continues over time. Phyllis was a warm, caring individual and I'm certain she is still missed dearly by her loving family. I'm thinking of you as the anniversary of Phyllis passing is upon us.

Beth Ankerholz

Friend

January 28, 2019

To Phyllis' family
It was my pleasure to work with Phyllis while I was involved with the library program in Lawrence. She was a strong, but easy going dedicated and very intelligent lady. Her strength is a lesson for us all. She will be missed by many.

Beth Welsh

February 20, 2018

Dan, Phyliss was an inspiration to all. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. God be with you all at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen Bigsby Finstad

February 10, 2018

Dan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a wonderful woman.

Laurie Culling

February 8, 2018

A wonderful woman and a wonderful family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

McDonald Family

February 5, 2018

Dan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Phyllis always being cheerful no matter what life dealt her. She was an inspiration.

Beth Ankerholz

February 5, 2018

Dan and family, we send our loving thoughts and prayers to you. Love lives forever; grief does not. Leslie Reynard and Joe Skeeba

Leslie Reynard

February 4, 2018

Dan and family, we send our loving thoughts and prayers to you. Love lives forever; grief does not. Leslie Reynard and Joe Skeeba

Leslie Reynard

February 4, 2018

Heaven awaits Phyllis. God bless her caretakers especially her husband Dan who showed true love ❤ My sympathy to the Watkins family

Phyllis Tocco

February 4, 2018

As a fellow teacher I enjoyed talking with Phyllis and having her wonderful kids in my class. She was a great mother, teacher, and human being. I am sorry for your loss.

Paul Stuewe

February 4, 2018

a loved one

February 4, 2018

I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Paul Horvath

Paul Horvath

February 4, 2018

Dan and family, Very sorry for you lost.

Sandra Lenihan Mostyn

February 3, 2018

Elizabeth Souder

February 3, 2018

My heart aches as I remember Phyllis and her terrifically strong spirit. Even in the throws of MS, her smile lit up the room. Thank you for your generosity and beautiful spirit, Phyllis! My condolences to all her family and friends of which there are many. May we all have a little Phyllis in us!

February 3, 2018

I so enjoyed serving time with Phyllis on the Library Board. My thoughts are with you.

Mary Burchill

February 3, 2018

What an inspirational woman. We will miss her terribly, but we are all better for having had her in our lives. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xIHfjrtJWf4A12VG2

Barb (Watkins) Sack

February 3, 2018

So sorry for your loss.

Micheline Burger

February 3, 2018

My respect and condolences to Dan, Phyllis and Dan's sons, and the extended family members.

Dennis Harris

February 3, 2018

So sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing. I grew up across the street on Ohio from Dan, Phyllis and a couple of the kids before moving away. I have very fond memories of Phyllis and her kind nature while growing up. My heart goes out to Dan and the boys. RIP Phyllis

Bryan Wyatt

February 3, 2018

Phyllis was a lovely, courageous woman whose contributions to to her community will long impact many individual lives. Condolence to Dan, her sons, and her extended family.

Shirley Domer

February 3, 2018

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Phyllis Watkins's name

Memorial Events
for Phyllis Watkins

Feb

4

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

Feb

4

Memorial Gathering

5:00 p.m.

basement of the Burger Stand

803 Massachusetts, MO

Feb

5

Celebration of Life

Cider Gallery

MO

Feb

5

Mass of Christian Burial

2:00 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist Church

1234 Kentucky, Lawrence, MO

Feb

5

Burial

Mt. Calvary Cemetery

MO

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

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