Nancy Ruth (Doke) Watkins

Nancy R. (Doke) Watkins, 73 of Tipton died at 10:12 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2014 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood. She was born on October 8, 1940 in Elwood to Leland and Mabel (Lazarus) Doke.

Nancy attended Kokomo Business College and then worked in the Tipton County Auditor’s Office, Ray Brothers and Noble Canning office, and the Tipton County Memorial Hospital payroll department. She was partner and co-owner of C&L Sled Shop from 1977-1991.

Nancy loved to sew pillows and other items for the Riley Children’s Hospital Cheer Guild. She was a graduate of Tipton High School, Class of 1958, and a member of the Madison Township Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. Nancy was a member and was very involved at Hobbs Christian Church for many years, member of the Tipton Historical Society, and worked on election boards for the Democratic Party.

Nancy is survived by three children; Carol Hertel, Bloomingdale, New Jersey, Charles Watkins and wife Glenda, Elwood, and Lloyd Watkins and Dawn Thomas, Tipton; seven grandchildren, Eric Hertel, Tabatha Boyd, Samantha Beeman, Krystal Hoots, Erin Buyer John Kelley, and Suzanne Thomas; 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who she loved very much.

She is also survived by one brother, Ralph Doke and wife Emagene of Curtisville and one sister, MaryLee Russell of Tipton.

Nancy’s funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18 at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Johnnie Blair presiding. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to the Riley Children’s Hospital Cheer Guild, Room 4510, 702 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202.