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Jill Watkins, 91

| June 8, 2023 12:10 PM

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jill Watkins, at age 91.

She passed peacefully on March 29, 2023 in Palm Desert, CA.

Jill was born in 1931 in Joliet, Illinois to Martin and Janet Chamberlain. Jill moved to Washington State to attend the University of Washington.

There, she met Victor Lewis, and was married in 1951. The couple moved to Yakima, Washington, where they raised their 3 daughters, Sharon, Sandy, and Heidi. Jill was an avid skier and tennis player, and was actively involved with the local arts community.

After a divorce and a move to Seattle, Jill married Tedrowe Watkins in 1975. While in Seattle, Jill was involved with ARCS, the Seattle Repertory Theatre, The Seattle Golf Club, The Sunset Club and the Seattle Garden Club. They resided in Seattle for 20 years, and then moved to Big Fork, Montana, where they spent their summers until 2019.

Jill and Tedrowe spent their winters in Rancho Mirage, CA at Thunderbird Country Club, where they had become members in 1990. She was an active member of the club who loved bridge, golf and the morning exercise class. Jill's greatest joy was dining at the club with friends and family.

Jill is survived by her brother, Jack, her three daughters, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Those who knew Jill will always remember her wit, her warm smile, and

her love of a good party. Her homes were beautiful and welcoming spaces.

She was a tremendous inspiration to her daughters and grandchildren and she will be dearly missed.