Rebecca Jane Watkins

Rebecca Jane Watkins, 67 of Grafton passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV., She was born in Fairmont, WV., on May 5, 1959, daughter of the late Ralph and Nancy Robinson Saunders. Rebecca is survived by her loving husband Randall Allen Watkins, they were married November 13, 1976, spending forty- nine years, eight months and eleven days of wonderful years together.

Rebecca is survived by two lovely children, Mindy Stonecipher, Randi Marie Leslie, five grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kristin, Caleb, Camryn, and Connor, who were the joy her life, one sister, Linda King (Bill).

Rebecca was a proud graduate of Grafton High School, Class of 1977. Following her passion for caring for others, she earned her Registered Nursing degree from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, and devoted more than thirty-three years of her life to the nursing profession.

Her career carried her across the country, where she faithfully cared for countless patients in Abileen, Texas, as well as hospitals in Denver, Colorado, and Wichita Falls, Texas. No matter where she served, Rebecca's compassion, kindness, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on those entrusted to her care.

During the final seven years of her career, Rebecca discovered another calling as a nursing instructor at Vernon College. Teaching brought her immense joy, as she found great fulfillment in watching her students grow in both knowledge and confidence. She treasured the opportunity to help shape the next generation of nurses and took great pride in knowing she had played a small part in changing their lives. To many of her students, she became not only a teacher, but also a mentor, encourager, and lifelong inspiration.

Outside of her career, Rebecca found happiness in life's simple blessings. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, crocheting, and preparing meals for those she loved. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. She loved attending church, reading her Bible, and filling her home with the uplifting sounds of praise music. Above all else, Rebecca cherished her family. The moments they shared together became her greatest treasures, and the love she poured into each of them will remain in their hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to West Virginia Children's Hospital, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506.

Family and friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Avenue, Grafton, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 1081 Oak Grove Road, Independence, WV 26374, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service with Pastor Braden Miller officiating. A private interment will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared with the Watkins family at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com. Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Watkins family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rebecca Jane Watkins, please visit our floral store.