Ona Watkins

A Graveside service for Ona Rae Watkins, 75, of Dickinson, will be held 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Emerson Cemetery near Manning, ND. A short service, time of sharing and fellowship will follow the graveside at the Manning Community Hall. 

In accordance with Ona’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Ona passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson.

Ona Rae was born in Minot on April 9, 1949, the daughter of Roy and Caroline (Goetsch) Brackelsberg. She grew up in Mohall where she attended school and graduated from Mohall High. Ona went on to attend college in Bottineau and earned a degree in Associate Arts. While in college, she met the love of her life, Gerald Watkins. Ona and Gerald were married on December 22, 1970 in Mohall. The couple lived in San Diego for four years, during Gerald’s military service years. They then returned to Manning, making their home on the farm east of Manning. Together, they raised their two children, April and Jared. After Gerald passed away, Ona and her mother-in-law, Mary Watkins, moved to Dickinson. Ona has operated her own Daycare ever since.

Ona was a faith filled woman who was very involved in her church and cherished her relationship with Rande and Margaret Kerr. She loved caring for her daycare children, just like they were her own. Ona enjoyed going for walks, being out in nature, music, ballet and listening to classical music. 

Ona is survived by her son, Jared Raye Watkins of Bismarck; daughter, April Dawn Watkins of Langdon; and grandchildren, Seth Roy Franchuk and Kyra Marie Franchuck.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Gerald Watkins. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Judes and Gideons in memory of Ona.