Rosezella M Watkins

Rosezella M. Watkins, 87, went home to be with the Lord on December 20, 2024, surrounded by all of her children and their spouses.

She was born on July 20, 1937, in Lima, Ohio to her parents, George and Jeanette Benjamin. On December 21, 1958, she married James M. Watkins. 

Rosezella was a 1955 graduate of Central High School; she then went on to study at Goshen College in Goshen, IN. In 1961 she graduated from Lima Memorial School of Nursing and served as a registered nurse for 42 years, maintaining her license until she was 80 years old. She worked at Lima Memorial, Lima Convalescent Home, and Lima Correctional Institution as staff nurse, charge nurse, supervisor, assistant director and staff developer. She was a member of Northside Mennonite Church for 34 years, Lima Community Church of the Nazarene for 26years, and Lima Baptist Temple for 10 years. She served as a bible school and Sunday school teacher, a lay leader, visited the sick and volunteered for the Red Cross. She also was part of the Dorcas blanket ministry at Lima Community Church of the Nazarene. She loved her furry companions, especially Foxie. Her hobbies included oil painting, knitting, travel with her children and grandchildren, gardening and growing violets. 

She is survived by her children, Kimberly (David) Elliott and their children: Nathan (Lauren) Beasley, Amber (David) Hall, and Audrey (Cecilia) Beasley, Christopher (Michele) Watkins, Bruce (Kimberly) Watkins and their children: Toby (Stephanie) Gipson, Samuel Watkins, and Ashley Watkins, and Thomas “TJ” (Mona) Watkins and their child: Sarah Watkins, a brother, Terry A. (Aitzu) Benjamin; a sister, Karen A. Hook; and many dear nieces and nephews. 

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James Watkins; and two infant sisters, Sharon and Betty. 

The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024. Pastor Gary Holman will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the College of the Ozarks, MO. 

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.