Mary Watkins Obituary

After decades of courageously living with the challenges of MS, Mary Lenore Watkins, age 72, peacefully passed away June 12, 2017.

Mary was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on December 9, 1944 to Bill and Honora (Marion) Cartwright. Growing up in Eagan, Minnesota on Lamay Lake, she enjoyed ice skating, riding her horse, camping with her high school friends, and playing with her cats and dogs. She graduated from Sibley High School in 1962, completed her Bachelors of Science at the University of Minnesota, and her Masters at Utah State University. In September 1966, she married Dick Watkins, a veterinarian, and settled in Salt Lake City, Utah where they raised two children, Sheri and Mark.

She taught in the Jordan School District for many years. Known as Mrs. Watkins, she shared her love of learning with many middle school kids, teaching them how to cook, appreciate music, and she even dabbled in teaching science. During her time in Utah, she enjoyed camping, gardening, and canning. Mary loved to run and spent many mornings waking up early to run through the snowy streets of Utah. One of her most favorite places to run was Logan Canyon.

When her MS advanced to a point where it was no longer physically possible to teach, she moved to Rico, Colorado, and built a home on the Dolores River. There she found and adopted Topaz, an Akbash dog, who became her constant companion. She loved her view of Mt. Wilson, the birds that frequented her feeders, and the fresh mountain air. She made impacts as a member of the Rico community including, gaining funding for playground equipment for local children. She also was the driving force in the publication of the Rico Women's Club cookbook.

Mary was one of those people who touched your heart. She sacrificed to ensure her children had the opportunity to succeed in life. She was always upbeat and never complained, despite her limitations. She always showed gratitude for anything that was done for her. She enjoyed the everyday pleasures in life, such as a crisp mountain day with a little snow thrown in for good measure. She liked the motto "Life is good"; and referred to herself as the "Mountain Wanderer."

She is survived by her children Sheri and Mark, their spouses, Tim Wagstaff and Nikki Anderson, Sheri and Mark's father, Dick Watkins, her two, much loved grandchildren, Sam and Grace Wagstaff, her cat Mo, and many grand dogs. Surviving siblings include Judy Putzier (Alabama) and Bill Cartwright, Jr. (Minnesota) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank the staff of Applegate Home Care and Beehive Homes in Park City, as well as her doctors and pharmacy staff for the love and care they provided Mary, helping her live life to the fullest down to her last days. Thank you to all of her friends near and far who have come to love and treat her like family, including Cher, Edna, Lesley, Linda, Roberta, Wendy, and many more. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.