Nancy Elizabeth Watkins

Nancy Elizabeth Watkins, age 88, formerly of Tuscarawas, died peacefully, early Thursday, March 26, 2026, while in the care of Claymont Health and Rehabilitation Center at Uhrichsville.

Born in Twin City Hospital at Dennison on May 17, 1937, Nancy was the daughter of the late Lester Mayne and Mary Wright Heck.

Following her graduation from the former Gnadenhutten High School, Nancy married Gary H. Watkins on November 24, 1955. Together, the couple raised three children. Professionally, Nancy was employed as a caseworker for the Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services for 27 years.

In her free time, Nancy enjoyed cooking, traveling, riding with her husband on their motorcycle, wintering in Myrtle Beach, and never passing up an opportunity to visit a casino to play the slots or roulette. Nancy enjoyed attending services at Riverside Community Church.

In addition to her husband of 70 years, Nancy is survived by three children Pamela Kim Goulder of Tuscarawas, Kathy (Kenny) Lawver of New Philadelphia, and Bill (Anne) Watkins of Dover; grandchildren, Sara Shea, Laura Dennis, and Adam Dennis, Abby (Josh) Kimble, Alison (Chris) Summers, Amber (Mat) Harkless, Taryn Jones and Samantha Watkins, as well as seven great-grandchildren, and a sister-in-law, Sharon Rauzi.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jim Goulder.

The family will greet guests on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 10 – 11 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, where a service celebrating Nancy’s life will be led by Pastor Darian Troyer beginning at 11 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery.