Phyllis May Watkins

Phyllis M. Watkins, age 95, passed away peacefully at Rae-Ann Nursing Home in Geneva, Ohio on July 12, 2025.

She was born on September 15, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Nicholas and Ethel (Meder) Kreilach and had been a resident of the Geneva area since 1969. Phyllis was a graduate of Shore High School in Euclid, Ohio.

She married Ray A. Watkins on April 7, 1972, in Geneva, Ohio. Phyllis was a longtime member of Geneva First United Methodist Church. Throughout her life, Phyllis worked at Euclid Road Machinery Co., Thomas Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria, and at Watkins and Keyerleber Insurance Agency, retiring in 1994.

She was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her family and taking rides with her husband in their antique car. She also found joy in bowling, gardening, dancing, golfing, and decorating her home and yard.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Ray Watkins; daughters, Karen Keyerleber (Steve) Hook of Geneva, Ohio, and Kathleen Keyerleber (Tony) Barszczewski of Austinburg, Ohio; son, Robert (Rubby) Keyerleber of Harpersfield, Ohio; eight grandchildren: Haven, John, Ashley, Natalia, Abel, Bob, Anthony, and Addie; and seven great-grandchildren: Roger, Olivia, Ansel, Colette, Seager, Archie, and Elizabeth.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert S. Keyerleber Sr.; her parents; and her brother, Richard Kreilach.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fleming & Billman Funeral Home, 323 South Broadway, Geneva, Ohio. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 a.m., with private interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery Geneva, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, in honor of Phyllis’s memory and the compassionate care she received.

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