Biography: LaVern Gettinger Watkins, 85, of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 4, 2009. She was born on March 31, 1924, in Crystal City, Missouri to the late Charlotta Samson Gettinger and Oscar Henry Gettinger. LaVern is preceded in death by her husband of almost sixty years, Dr. John G. Watkins, Jr., whom she met at St. Louis City Hospital where she was a nursing student and he was an intern; and a sister, Anita Parashak. She was a Registered Nurse, a charter member of Pleasant Valley Country Club, a charter member of Christ the King Catholic Church and a member of many bridge and investment clubs where she had many friends. LaVern is survived by her sons, Dr. John Gibson Watkins, III (Vicki) of Little Rock, Robert Henry Watkins (Nancy) of Little Rock and James William Watkins (Cheryl) of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Beth Noland (Matt) of Little Rock, Jay Watkins (Ali) of Dallas, Texas, Chris Watkins (Whitney) of Dallas, Texas, Amanda Ragar (Trent) of Rogers, Arkansas, and James Watkins, Jr. of Little Rock; great-grandchildren, Kate Noland, Wesley Noland, Kennedy Ragar, Libby Watkins and Leighton Watkins; a brother, Robert Gettinger (Juanita); a special daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Watkins; a special sister-in-law, Sue Watkins Webb and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be at Ruebel Funeral Home on Monday, September 7, 2009 from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 10 a.m., officiated by Reverend Monsignor Francis I. Malone and Monsignor Gaston Hebert, PA. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 5600 West 12th Street, Little Rock, AR 72204 or the charity of your choice. Online guestbook, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
You mom was a fantastic person. My prayers are with you and your family.