Faye Watkins June 8, 2018
Faye Watkins
June 8, 2018
On the 8th of June, Faye Watkins entered her heavenly reward after a full life of activities. Born on the summer solstice in 1929 to Conrad and Pearl, she was reared with her three older Oetter siblings in Frankfort, Illinois. After graduation from Joliet Township High School she attended The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Voice. On her way home one night during a snow storm, while waiting for her father to try to come get her, she met another stranded traveler. This man was traveling from Detroit, Michigan with his first new car. He beguiled her with the description of his ranch in Ennis. His name was Jack Watkins. Later they would become husband and wife.
Early in the young couple’s marriage they moved to Arizona and then on to California as Jack explored work in the fledgling electronics industry. Faye found work in the area of banking. However, the only son was asked to return to the ranch to help his family’s business. Faye took on the job as a ranch wife. From haying to branding she helped wherever she was needed. But, she excelled at making any visitor to the ranch feel welcomed as she gave them cookies and refreshing glasses of sun tea.
Faye was involved with many activities: the Madison Valley Presbyterian Church, the Greater Federation of Woman’s Club, the Montana Republican party, Angus Cattle Association, bridge club and bowling to name a few. She used her musical skills in various church and community choirs either as a vocalist or its director. Her solo work was mostly weddings and funerals. Later she and two other gals, Bobbie Brand and Jean Hansen would record an LP album of sacred music entitled “Make a Joyful Noise”. When the vinyl copies were gone they released a cassette copy retitled: “We Remember Making a Joyful Noise”. All of the proceeds from both went to funding scholarships in the greater Ennis area.
Sadly, she was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Ken and Don, her sister Betty, and her husband Jack. She is survived by her sister-in-law Rena and nieces and nephews: Sherrie, Judy, Tammy, Alan, Diane, Robert, Cindy Lou, Kevin, Kendall, Todd, Susan, Linda and Maria, and many extended family members.
To honor Faye’s love of learning, please make all donations to the Madison Valley Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 122, Ennis, MT 59729
Services will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Ennis at 10 AM on Saturday, June 16th, followed by a brief graveside service.