Ruth Evelyn (Crowley) Watkins, 98, of Eau Claire, died on Monday, July 4, 2016, at her home surrounded by family. Ruth was born on March 1, 1918, the daughter of John and Helga Crowley. She was raised on a farm in the Town of Union, attended school in Eau Claire and graduated in 1936. Ruth married George W. Watkins on May 25, 1939. They had nine children. Two of her children (ages 4 and 5) died in 1950 after falling through the ice behind St. James the Greater Church before the land was residential. Her husband, George, died on August 19, 1971 after 32 years of marriage. Ruth and George were one of the original members of St. James. She was the President of the Rosary confraternity for many of her active years of involvement at St. James the Greater Catholic Church. After the loss of her 2 children, Ruth and George took in children from McDonough School for the handicapped. She was in the first class of "Ward Secretaries" at Luther Hospital in the late 60's and worked at Luther Hospital for 17 years before her retirement. She was an avid sewer, sewing for her 2 daughters and later, her grandkids. She also quilted with friends and enjoyed gardening, cooking and reading. Her boulevard of flowers on Moholt Drive has been enjoyed by many for years. Ruth was competitive at games – bridge, cribbage, Up Words, and many more were always part of her life. She was a lifelong fan of Milwaukee Baseball (Brave's and Brewers) and she enjoyed the Green Bay Packers. Ruth traveled extensively after the passing of her husband with groups to Spain, Greece, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Russia, United Kingdom, Mexico and the Bahamas. She is survived by her children, Patrick (Trish), Joann (Edward Allen), Michael, John, Arnold (Janis), Laurie (Tom Bjerke), Ed (Cindy). Ruth also leaves behind 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and her cat, "Molly". Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, George; her children, William and Richard; her parents; and her siblings, Arthur, John, Helen, Mae, Grace and Henry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street, Eau Claire, WI, with Father Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and again, an hour and a half prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services is serving her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Service Information

Cemetery

St. Patrick's Cemetery 2000 Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Wednesday, July 6 2016 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Thursday, July 7 2016 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, July 7 2016 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703