Kulpmont - Esther M. Watkins, 80, of 1109 Poplar Street, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born on February 20, 1940, a daughter of the late John and Theresa (Mirarchi) Lauda. She was of the Catholic faith and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Marion Heights until 1953 and was a 1957 graduate of Kulpmont High School.

Esther married George R. Watkins on June 4, 1960 in Our lady of Perpetual Help Church, Marion Heights. He preceded her in death on February 14, 2013. Ever since their marriage she was a resident of Kulpmont.

She was a stay at home mom and homemaker, although she did work briefly as a Home Interior Decorator. She took very much pride in her home and her family. In her prime she was an excellent cook and baker! Her home was always clean and nicely decorated and her family always had a home cooked meal and desserts. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved to go all out decorating, baking, and sharing Christmas cheer through presents and baked treats.

Over the past few years, the highlight of her days was talking on the phone and calling local restaurants to find out their daily specials so she could figure our her menu for the day.

Esther is survived by her children, George K. Watkins and his wife, Jill of Bloomsburg, Lisa Bowers and her significant other, Mike Cox, Fred Watkins and his wife, Betty of Bear Gap, Sharon Gross and her husband, Rich of NC, and Amanda Rusesky and her husband, Stan, of Marion Heights; nine Grandchildren, Joanna, Erin and Barry Bowers, Jacob Beaver, Brian and Jessica Watkins, Allie and Aidan Gross and Hannah Rusesky; four great grandchildren; and her beloved dog and companion, Buttons. In addition to her parents and husband, Esther was preceded in death by a sister, Jerry Sahonick.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Esther M. Watkins, 80 of 1109 Poplar Street, Kulpmont - A private service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in  care of C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut Street, Kulpmont, PA, John W. Minnig, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com