Anne Parker Watkins, "Moo-Moo," beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 85.
Anne was born January 16, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Dr. Robert Parker and Geraldine Parker. During World War II, her father served in the US Navy and moved the family to Kansas City before being stationed overseas. Raised as part of a large and loving family, Anne carried with her throughout her life an easy warmth, a practical Midwestern sensibility, and a gift for making people feel at home. Anne was rarely without a smile, a kind word, or a genuine interest in the person standing in front of her.
Her greatest adventure began early; Anne and Richard Lee Watkins were high school sweethearts at North Kansas City High School and went on to share 65 years of marriage. They built a marriage filled with unwavering devotion, laughter, friendship, and partnership. Through every season of life, they were each other's greatest supporters, creating a bond that inspired everyone who knew them.
Richard's career with IBM took the family from Kansas City to St. Louis, Topeka, Lexington, Atlanta, Dallas, and other stops along the way. Anne had a remarkable ability to make each new place feel like home. When asked which city had been her favorite, she would answer, "Wherever I was living at the time." It was this perspective, among others, that made her such a wonderful Mom.
Wherever she lived, Anne built community. She made friends easily and kept them. She welcomed people to the table, remembered what mattered to them, and had a way of combining kindness with good sense and just the right amount of humor. For the past twenty years, she and Richard made their home in Loch Loyd, Missouri, where Anne enjoyed dear friendships and an active community life.
Anne found her greatest joy in gathering family and friends around the table. A gifted cook, she was famous for family favorites including her chicken-fried steak, round steak, and pot roast, meals that became part of countless cherished memories. She also adored her dogs, who were never just pets, but beloved members of the family and constant companions throughout her life.
Anne also knew how to meet difficult seasons with strength and grace. A breast cancer survivor, she faced adversity with the same steady spirit she brought to the rest of her life.
She was preceded in death by Richard, the love of her life and her parents, Geraldine and Robert H. Parker.
Anne is survived by her three children, Greg Watkins (Kathy) of Leawood, Kansas; Doug Watkins (Leigh) of Leawood, Kansas; and Heather Echemendia (Otto) of Atlanta, Georgia; her grandchildren, Katie (Nic), Kelly (Jeremiah), Courtney (Jack), Greg (Caroline), Jake, Wil, Otto, Parker, and Annie; and her great-grandchildren, Mae, Julianne, Robbie, Lily, Colton, Emmy, Mila, Ben, and Georgie.
She is also survived by her siblings, Carol Hewlett, Susan Lieber, and Robert "Rarv" Parker, and by the large extended family that remained such an important part of her life.
Above all, Anne was devoted to her family. Her faith, generosity, warmth, and unwavering love created a legacy that will live on for generations. Though she will be deeply missed, those who knew her find comfort in the countless memories she created and the example she set through a life so beautifully lived.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
A celebration of life for both Richard and Anne Watkins will be held on Tuesday, September 1st at the Church of the Resurrection, BROOKSIDE LOCATION 5144 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112. Visitation at 1:00 pm followed by a Service at 2:00 pm.
