Evansville, IN – Janet Marie Watkins, 77, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville. She was born on April 19, 1944 in Evansville to the late Charlie and Marjorie (Newman) Murphy.
Janet graduated from North High School here in Evansville. She was a member and President of Women in Construction, Beta Sigma Phi, and was a Justice of the Peace for several years until the State eliminated that office. As a Justice of the Peace, she officiated over quite a few marriages here in southern Indiana. Janet was previously co-owner of Zeller Elevator Company and later employed by Bristol-Myers in the 1980’s, mainly as a Batch Record Technical Assistant, working for 15 different engineers. At one time Janet was also heavily involved in politics, particularly United We Stand America. Janet also really enjoyed modeling, which she did for many years, from the 1960’s through the 1990’s. She loved fine clothing, beautiful purses, and high quality, stylish shoes.
But more than anything, she loved being with her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
She is survived by her husband, Rick Watkins; her children, Louis M. “Zippy” Zeller, III (Angie) and Jessica M. Nuffer (Jason); her grandchildren, Amanda Marie Fox (Skyler), Casey Jo Bennett (Brian Bennett), Tyler Zeller, Gabrielle Nicole Arnold (Brandon Matthew O’Grady), Kassandra Christine Smith (Brandon Paul Smith); great grandchildren, Hayden Fox, Addyson Fox, Owen Michael Bennett, Parker James Bennett and Autumn Grace Bennett, Ellie Claire O’Grady, Benson Paul Smith, as well as her sisters, Kathy Murphy-Sweat (Shawn) and Keven Murphy.
Janet is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Mike and Kerry Murphy.
A celebration of life will be held at the Watkins Home, 7907 Peach Blossom. Evansville, IN 47715 on Sunday, September 19th from 2-5 PM. If you would like to attend or need more information, please contact Angie Zeller at angieaz@yahoo.com or 812-455-6310.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers at donationsupport@tunnel2towers.org (718-987-1931), or The Linda E. White Hospice House, 611 Harriet St. Evansville, IN 47710 (812-450-7021)
Linda Graham Schwaner says
Will miss you my friend…time and miles have come between us but our memories will always exist. So many fun times, “dragging the restaurants” in a pick up truck and actually having a soldier jump in the back so he could get acquainted. Our twin outfits…going to Florida…all the typical fun secret things young girls do…I was able to come visit you in our later years and it was then that you took me to see my childhood home that you had purchased and had moved to a forever home in the country. A bond that we shared for happier times. We will meet again and rejoice. See you at the gate.
Rick Watkins says
I have heard about you so many times from Janet. She thought the world of you.
Thank you for your condolences.
Rick
Sam Reynolds says
My Deepest Sympathy…. Sam Reynolds “Sammy” Janet and Jessica’s hairdresser years ago.
Rick Watkins says
Janet spoke highly of you to me so many times.
Thank you so much for your condolences.
Rick Watkins
Harry says
I will forever miss my mama Janet, I loved her so much. I always called Rick and Janet my kids. She truly loved her husband she talked about him all the time and how great he was to her. There’s nothing in this world I would Not due for either one of them Harry loves you both very much