Barbara Ann "Bobbie" Watkins, 97, formerly of Polk, passed away Sunday July 16th, 2023 in Midlothian, Texas, surrounded by love and family.

Bobbie was born January 9, 1926, in Vincennes, Indiana to H.T. and Vesta Archer Osburn. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Cannonsburg, Pa where she was raised until the family settled in Franklin, Pa in 1940.

Barbara attended Purdue University, her parent's alma mater, before transferring to Allegheny College in Meadville, where she met her first husband, Charles Ritter, whom she married in 1946. They had six children, and after their divorce Barbara finished her psychology degree at Allegheny, while solely raising their children. She was a dedicated mother, spending 7 years as a Brownie Girl Scout Leader, and 12 years as PTA president. She always had time for others and an ear to lend; no one was a stranger to Bobbie.

Bobbie was retired from Polk Center, spending 10 years in the education department, and she also worked at the Polk Post Office.

Bobbie married Harry Watkins in 1971, and he preceded her in death in 1978. They made their home in Polk, Pa, where she lived until 2020, when the Covid pandemic necessitated a move to Midlothian, Texas to live with her daughter, Judy. Bobbie was able to live alone in her home until the age of 94 with the help of her daughter Wendy and her husband Dan, and also her special friends Larry and Linda Watkins of Stoneboro, Pa.

Her incredible memory, sharp mind and wit stayed with Bobbie throughout her life, amazing friends and family with her knowledge and memory of people and events. She never forgot a birthday, and always sent a card. She was an exceptional card player and scrabble queen, to beat her would be cause to celebrate- she always won! She played Contract Bridge, attaining the rank of Silver Life Master, and was a certified director of the weekly game at the women's club in Oil City. More recently, she enjoyed playing at her local community center.

Bobbie was also a remarkable hand quilter, sharing her skills with others as a member of the Polk Community Quilting Bee.  She cherished her memories, friendships, and time spent with this great group of ladies. She also created and directed the Quiltathon fundraiser at the Franklin Library for 25 years.

In addition to quilting, Barbara was also skilled at other hand crafts, and was always making crocheted dish scrubbies, which she would hand out all over the world! "Marking her territory", she would laugh. She was also a voracious reader, often finishing a book a day.

Bobbie had a love of cooking, great food & wine, and could always remember the best restaurants in any given city! She was an amazing cook, sharing her knowledge and passion with her family- everyone loved getting her plate of Christmas cookies every year!

Bobbie was a world traveler, making friends and memories across the globe. She visited 20 countries, and spent time in every US state except Alaska and Montana. She particularly cherished her time spent in Oaxaca, Mexico with her daughters, as recently as 2020. She had a keen sense of adventure, and traveled to many interesting places including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, temples in Japan, jungles and beaches in Costa Rica, and paddling past glaciers in New Zealand at the age of 81.

She also had a love of tent camping, and enjoyed road trips with her family throughout her life- as recently as June, when she traveled to Nashville for a family reunion. Her family was very important to Bobbie, and we were all blessed with the most amazing matriarch and sterling example of a mother and grandmother. A remarkable woman.

Bobbie truly was a "Beacon of Light" to many, earning the first ever award of that name by the Venango County RSVP Senior Corps. She logged more than 16,000 hours of volunteer time over 12 years of service in the Franklin Community. She volunteered at the Franklin Library, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Franklin Garden Association, and the Polk Fire Department, to which she donated funds raised by making and selling quilts. She tirelessly endeavored to better the lives of her fellow citizens and loved ones, and firmly believed in recognizing and marching for women's rights.

She also received other awards for her volunteer work, including citations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and two President's Call to Service Awards. Bobbie was an American Red Cross Disaster Action Team Captain, serving with the Red Cross during 20 national disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and Ground Zero relief efforts after 9/11. She went where the people needed her, even into her 80's.

Barbara is survived by daughters Judy O'Polka of Midlothian, Texas, and Wendy (Dan) Norris of Dempseytown, and son Jeremy Ritter of San Francisco, CA.  She is also survived by grandchildren Teresa Ritter and husband Ron Cook, of Bothell, Washington, Karyn Ritter and husband Andrew Littlefield of San Francisco, CA, Christopher Ritter and wife Crystal of Shingle Springs, CA, Jeff O'Polka and wife Shannon of Grand Prairie, TX, John O'Polka and wife Marnie of  Midlothian, TX, Fargo Ray of Colorado, Ron and Cody Ray of Polk, Pa, Melanie Ray of Albion, Pa, and Myria Kutchravy and husband Matt of Stafford, VA, in addition to numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Pratt, and the following children- Leslie in 1955, Tom Ritter in 1987, and Beth Ritter in 2010. She was also preceded by grandchildren Kinyen Ray in 2001, and Jessica Scurry in 2022.

The family requests donations be made to the Franklin Public Library, or your local library. Read a book in Bobbie's honor while enjoying a cup of hot tea, or a glass of wine.

Bobbie's warm heart and giving nature endeared her to all who met her, and the family invites you to celebrate her life at a memorial service this Saturday, July 29th at 12 Pm, at the Franklin Public Library. (Upstairs room)