Loretta Watkins

Loretta Watkins (age 90) passed peacefully on January 30, 2019 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka, Kansas.  Loretta was born on May 31, 1928 in Russell, Kansas to David and Lydia (Gallyardt) Ehrlich. She was one of five siblings including: LaVerne, Virginia, Wilbur, and Fern, all deceased.

Loretta was a fun-loving and many of her extended family thought of her as their "favorite aunt". She never had much in material things, but she lived life to the fullest. She loved to laugh and tell stories.  One of her favorite stories was how she and future Senator Bob Dole threw rocks at one another while going to primary school in Russell.

Loretta spent her life raising four children: Sharon (deceased), Larry Jean (deceased), Jeff King, Timothy Watkins, and five step-children.  She worked various service-related jobs throughout her life.  She owned the first taxi cab service in Hays, Kansas.  Built homes in Greenwood Arkansas. Worked as a sales clerk at grocery stores in Houston, Texas.  Ran a gas station in Topeka and retired as a service clerk at K-Mart East in Topeka. She was a long-time member of First Southern Baptist Church in Topeka.

Loretta is survived by sons: Jeff (Mary Jane) King and Tim (Amy) Watkins of Topeka; and grandsons: Justin and Lucas King, and Zachary Watkins. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.