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Ann Durand Watkins, 76, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away on October 9, 2024. Born on December 10, 1947, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, she was the beloved daughter of Mary Mustard Durand and Robert Rizer Durand. Ann is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Eddie Watkins, whom she married on September 2, 1967. Together, they raised two sons, Chad Watkins (married to Paige) and Jeff Watkins (married to Stacy). She was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren: Caleb, Rand, Chloe, Garrett, Brevan, Brinlee and Gentri, who brought her endless joy. Ann is also survived by her sisters, Jo Durand (partner Melinda Petersen) and Jean Durand Schaffer (married to Chris Schaffer). She was preceded in death by her parents. Ann graduated from College High in Bartlesville in 1966 and attended Oklahoma State University. She and Eddie co-owned Dupree Sports from 1982 to 2000, when they passed ownership to their two sons.
An avid and accomplished golfer, Ann won numerous tournaments and club championships. She was an advocate for women in sports, always encouraging women and young girls to take up golf. Her support extended to the Women’s Golf Association, the Stillwater Country Club and the Oklahoma State University women’s golf program. Ann will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, and unwavering support of her family, friends, and community. She always put others first. Ann was positive, encouraging, and deeply compassionate. Those closest to her also knew of her competitive nature and mischievous sense of humor, traits that added to her unique and loving personality. In addition to her passion for golf, Ann enjoyed fishing, cooking, gardening, and was a dedicated presence at her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and school activities. Throughout her life, Ann was committed to charitable causes and volunteer work. She coached softball and golf, supported the American Cancer Society, and participated for many years in Relay for Life. She was one of the founding members of the Women’s Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame, serving as president for nine years.
She also served on the Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association (WOGA) and was a board member for Stillwater Domestic Violence for six years. She was a regular volunteer at Our Daily Bread, and a faithful member and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Ann’s favorite charities: the OSU Foundation Ann Pitts Legacy Scholarship in memory of Ann Watkins, the Stillwater Domestic Violence Wings of Hope, or the American Cancer Society. Funeral services will be held at Life Church in Stillwater, Friday, October 18th at 2:00pm. A reception will follow at the Stillwater Country Club to celebrate Ann’s life.
Ann’s legacy of love, support, and encouragement will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
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