Rita Louise Watkins (Sheehan) passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on September 19, at age 95. Rita was born in Urbana on May 24th, 1931. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her parents, Marjorie and James, and her sister Kathy Funke (John). She is survived by her three children, Jeff Watkins of Las Vegas, Laurie Parkinson of Houston and Gary Watkins (Debby) of Denver as well as four grandchildren, Katy Black (Bryan), Lindsey Gray (Chase), Rachel Czechura (Tom) and Kenneth Watkins (Emily Randecker). Five great grandchildren, Benson, Olivia, Clark, Wells and Otto, her sister, Carolyn Klaus (Caeser), and her brother, Jim Sheehan (Jennifer) also survive. 

After high school Rita attended the University of Illinois and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Rita was a homemaker who loved being a mom and she took great pride in her family. She also worked for the Ford County Clerk's Office and the Ford County Nursing Home in Paxton. She enjoyed singing, playing Bridge, watching Illini football and the Bears, working on her computer and ipad and at 95 she had a great understanding of technology.  She was a lover of animals and rescued a cat or 'two'. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her. 

A private memorial service was held on September 25, at Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton followed by a private burial at Glen Cemetery and a reception at Monical's Pizza. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Ford County Historical Society.