Amy M. Watkins

May 25, 1916 - August 19, 2016

Amy May (Olson) Watkins, 100, of Lincoln formerly of Venango, peacefully passed away on August 19, 2016. She was born May 25, 1916 near Elba, NE to A Loy and Margaret (Ender) Olson, the 7th of 9 children. She graduated from Venango High School in 1933 and attended the University of Nebraska for one year and taught in rural schools near Venango. On May 28, 1937 Amy married Jay Watkins and to this union were born 5 sons and 1 daughter. They farmed near Venango and after Jay's death in 1965, Amy attended Kearney State College and earned her teaching degree. She taught in the Venango and Grant school districts until her retirement while continuing to manage the farm. She was a longtime active member and volunteer in community organizations including Venango Community Church, 4-H, American Legion Auxiliary, Venango Lioness Club, W.I.F.E. and Delta Kappa Gamma. She enjoyed all sports and was an avid Husker fan. At the age of 85 Amy moved to Lincoln to be closer to family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jay; sons JLaurn Jr and Craig A; grandson, Colby; her parents; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Survivors include her sons, Doug (Linda) Watkins of Florence, AZ; Clint (Marlene) Watkins of Manta, Ecuador, Bruce (Pat) Watkins of Lincoln; daughter, Mary Ann (Bob) Stallings of Lincoln; 8 grandchildren; Brian Watkins, Chris (Amber) Watkins, John (Laura) Stallings, Margaret (Tony) Burnham of Lincoln, Shari Watkins of Fremont, Jamy (Jim) Sullivan of Superior, NE, Derek Watkins of Mesa, AZ, AJ Watkins of Denver, CO; 14 great grandchildren, Brycin, Will, Piper and Tripp Stallings, Griffin and Porter Wilkins, Ryker Burnham, Nolan and Isabelle Watkins of Lincoln, Katie Kimes of Fremont, Teghan, Owen and Tatum Sullivan of Superior, NE, Nicolle Kimes of San Antontio, TX; 2 sisters; Enid Heady of Hastings and Dorothy Olson of Wheatland, WY and sister-in-law Norma Rector of Denver, CO along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Service in celebration of Amy's life will be held on Saturday, August 27th at 11:00 at the Venango Community Church with Pastor Chris Costrini officiating. A reception will follow. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, to Venango Community Church, Venango, NE 69168 or the Alzheimer's Association, 1500 S. 70th St, Lincoln NE 68506. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend. Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.