Janet D. Watkins, 88, of Brookville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025. She was born March 6, 1937, in rural Brookville, Kansas, to Chris and Elsie (Matt) Bieber. Janet lived and worked on her family farm. She graduated from Brookville High School in 1955 and went on to become a registered nurse, graduating from the Asbury School of Nursing in 1958.
After graduation, she married Ward Watkins on May 9, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina, and they were happily married for 56 years. For many years, she was a nurse at Asbury Hospital and later worked for Drs. Schmidt, Livingston, and Nichol until she retired.
Janet was a proud first responder in Brookville, Kansas, helping her neighbors in times of need. She found joy in her garden, with her animals, and in the church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Chris and Elsie Bieber; sisters, Vietta and Mary; and her husband, Ward Watkins and special friend George (her furry companion).
She is survived by her daughter, Dana Watkins of Brookville; son, Dennis Watkins, and his wife, Leah, of Wichita; two grandchildren, Chelsea Watkins and Dalton Watkins and fiancé Andrew Jimenz of Wichita; great-grandchildren, Miranda Mae Moeder and Memphis Wayne Moeder; brother, Dean Bieber, and his wife, Marilyn, of Hutchinson; and many friends.
There will be no visitation. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Brookville United Methodist Church in Brookville, with Pastor Jaron Bell officiating. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.
The family suggests memorials to the Brookville Methodist Church, the Bethany Home in Lindsborg, or the Salina Animal Services in Salina in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th, Salina, Kansas 67401.
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