Anita L. Watkins

Anita Watkins of Venango, NE, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Oakview Terrace Nursing Home in Freeman, SD.

Anita (Quinn) Watkins was born on April 28, 1951, in Denver, Colorado. She was one of two children born to Horace (Hort) and Ruth (Hilyard) Quinn. Anita grew up in Lodgepole, NE. She graduated from Kearney State College in Kearney, NE, with the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. She worked as a lab technician in Scottsbluff and Grant, up until her first child was born. Anita had a great understanding of medical knowledge, which proved helpful later in life.

Anita met Dennis Watkins through friends. The two were married on February 22, 1975. Anita and Dennis resided on his family farm near Venango, NE. They had three children, Joel, Rebecca, and Denise. Denise was born prematurely with several medical complications and needs. This is when Anita's medical knowledge came into immediate need. She provided the best care for her precious little girl, Denise.

Anita was a housewife and worked alongside her husband on the farm. She was also an active member of the Venango Community. She was involved with WIFE (Women Involved in Farm Economics). She either led or assisted with 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and AWANA. Anita was the kindest of caregivers.

Anita was always interested in genealogy. Along with her father, she researched and wrote three large family history books. She was an avid birdwatcher and possessed extensive knowledge about nature, specifically trees and geology.

Anita is preceded in death by her parents, Horace (Hort) and Ruth Quinn, sister JoAnn Quinn, and daughter Denise Watkins.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Watkins of Venango, NE; son, Joel (Sara) Watkins of Venango; daughter, Rebecca (Chad) Hofer of Freeman, SD; and grandchildren, Alyssa and Brynlee Hofer of Freeman, and Skylar and Caden Watkins of Venango.

Internment will be at the Venango Community Cemetery. Private services will take place at a later date.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is assisting the Watkins family.