Donna Jane Watkins, 87, of De Soto, Kansas, passed away on August 13th, 2025. She was born on November 7th, 1937, in Sioux City, Iowa to John (Xavier) Francis Matthews and Ethel Elnora Bursell Matthews who preceded her in death along with her sister Patricia Ann Calvillo.
Born in 1937, Donna graduated from Heelan High School in Sioux City, Iowa in 1955, where she began forming the strength, faith, and kindness that would define her life. On June 21, 1958, she married the love of her life, Myron (Mike) Eugene Watkins, and together they built a home rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family. Their marriage spanned over 62 years until Myron preceded her in death on November 26, 2020.
Donna was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeyes fan and could always be found in black and gold on game days, cheering with unmatched spirit. Her enthusiasm for her team was only rivaled by her love for children and family.
For over twenty years, Donna provided in-home child care, becoming a second mother and grandmother to many. Her home was a haven of play, learning, warmth, and fresh cookies from the oven. She offered gentle guidance, patient attention, and a safe place to grow. In her spare time, she loved spending time with her friends playing cards or going to lunch.
Above all, family was the center of Donna's world. She loved to host family holidays where the entire family could get together and create memories of a lifetime. One of her greatest joys was hosting her annual “Camp Grandma,” a tradition that brought her grandchildren together for crafts, games, storytelling, trips to Adventure Land, and camping sleepovers full of fun. Camp Grandma became a cherished part of growing up in her family and a legacy her grandchildren will carry with them forever.
Donna is survived by four of her five children: Jill Marie (Jack) Conard, Patrick Myron (Pamela) Watkins, Brenda Diane (Michael) Parezo, and Mary Beth (David) Thompson. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Matthew Jon Watkins.
She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren: Robert Myron (Alexis) Conard, Rebecca Jane (Eric) Wheeler , Trevor Garth Thompson, Brandon Michael Parezo, Taylor Brooke Watkins, Elizabeth Watkins (Nate) Meeker, Tanner Casey Watkins, Emily Marie Conard, Lauren Marie Thompson, Jacob David Thompson, Aidan Matthew Watkins, and Margaret Katherine Watkins.
Donna also has four great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy: Brooke Emilia Conard, and Kassidy Ann Conard, Heidi Elizabeth Wheeler and Holly Sue Wheeler.
She is also survived by 4 of her 5 beloved nieces and nephews: Mary Kimberly Calvillo, Preceded in death by Michelle Lorraine Staber, Patricia Anne (Jim) Nutzman, Amy Christine (John) Moeller, and Michael John (Becky) Calvillo.
Donna’s legacy is one of deep love, generous spirit, and a home that welcomed all with open arms. She will be remembered for her kind heart, quick wit, and the joy she found in both the simple and sacred moments of everyday life.
There are no words that can describe how much we will miss our sweet mother. We love you and miss you today, tomorrow and always.
A Visitation will be at 9:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM, Tuesday August 19th, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 13615 West 92nd Street, Lenexa, KS 66215. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery.