Dorothy Watkins

Dorothy "Dottie" Jean Gerlach Watkins, 89, died peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at First Community Village. She was born Oct. 8, 1927 in Lakewood, Ohio. Graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University Class of 1949 with honors, Geology major; Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Gamma Delta. Ohio State University, MA. Special Education, 1976.

She is preceded in death by parents Arthur J. and Inez W. Gerlach; sister Nancy Gerlach Park; brother Arthur O. Gerlach; son Ted Watkins.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald B. "Jack" Watkins Jr.; daughter Midge (Jim) Klingensmith of Powell; grandsons, Andy (fiance Joan Williams) Klingensmith of St. Louis, Mo., and Tyler (Abbie) Klingensmith of Virginia Beach, Va. ; nieces and nephews.

We are thankful for her many years of care by Jean Parise, also the FCV staff. A life-long lover of music and the outdoors; childhood swimmer, camper, and sailboat enthusiast. Her deep brown eyes and beautiful smile and laughter could light up a room. Long time subscriber to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra; Women's Guild and Board of Trustees for Opera Columbus. With husband Jack, was an avid conservationist, gardner, hiker, bird-watcher, tennis player, skier, fisherman, world traveler, and summer resident in Blind River, Ontario. Adventurous and devoted grandmother to Andy and Tyler. Member of St. Marks Episcopal Church and choir; Twig 118 of Children's Hospital. Community volunteer, special interest in literacy and refugee resettlement. Served 16 years as a Learning Disabilities Tutor in Upper Arlington Schools.

Memorial service Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Burkhart Chapel, 1801 Riverside Drive, Columbus, Oh 43212, Rev. Dr. Paul St. Germain officiating. Family will receive beginning at 10 a.m. Private internment at St. Mark's Church. Arrangements with GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High Street. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to Opera Columbus Development, 55 E. State St., Cols, OH 43215. To sign and view Dorothy's online guest book please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com