Opal Swann Watkins

Opal Swann Watkins passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Opal was born on May 20, 1936 in Banida, Idaho to Alexander and Anna Swann. She grew up in Banida and graduated from Preston High School in 1954. After school she worked for the telephone company. Then she went to business school. She moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho and worked for the International Tractor Company. She met her first husband, Jerry Jordan in Denver and later moved to Reno, Nevada. Opal and Jerry divorced.

She found the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Clinton Watkins and they got married on October 8, 1977. They made their home in Reno, Nevada. They both worked in the casinos there and raised Chuck’s daughter, Tammie together. Chuck and Opal liked to go on “Sunday Drives” to Lake Tahoe, Virginia City and Pyramid Lake. Opal loved dogs and they always had them as pets. After Chuck passed away she got her dog, Rocky. Rocky always held a special place in her heart.

Opal and Chuck were so excited to have grandchildren. They enjoyed caring for them and going on adventures together. She enjoyed going to the rodeo with family and hearing about (two of Jeff’s children) Gabby, competing in barrel racing and break-away roping and also, loved hearing about and watching videos of her grandson, Brandon, drag racing his Pro Mod drag car. Throughout her life Opal acted like a grandma for many more children. She loved to have little ones climb on her lap for a hug. She always had extra love to share.

In 1997 Chuck passed away and Opal decided to move back to Preston, Idaho after she retired in 2001. She was able to help take care of her mother, Anna Swann, and reconnect with family and friends. Opal loved to go on road trips. She loved to see new places and spend time with those she loved. She took trips across the country with her Mom and Paul and Glenda to see Nauvoo and other church sites. She was just as happy to jump in the car with her friend Carol Carter and head to Logan for a day of “dinking around”.

Opal loved to serve others. She volunteered at the hospital, helping with blood drives and the Pink Ladies. She loved to crochet blankets to give away. Family and friends loved her world famous fudge that she would make and share. Opal was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was all in! She loved to serve at the temple and was able to be sealed to Chuck. She enjoyed meeting with her “Come Follow Me” group and served in church callings such as a primary teacher and a ministering sister. She also enjoyed driving her beloved friends to the Logan Temple. She was a member of the Utah Daughters of Pioneers and loved her pioneer heritage. She spent a lot of time helping out at Heritage Home and served as the branch Relief Society President there. Heritage Home was so happy to welcome Opal as a resident for her final days.

When you ask family and friends to describe Opal they share words like optimistic, hopeful, happy, great sense of humor, enjoyed life and faithful to the Gospel. Opal was a light in this world and will be missed by all her family and friends. Our Opal is truly a gem.

Opal is survived by her children Randy Allen (Heidi Howden) Watkins, Jeffery Dean, deceased, (Claudia) Watkins and Tammie Rae Watkins Davis, 4 grandchildren, 7

great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. She is also survived by her brother Reed Swann. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles (Chuck) Clinton Watkins, her son Jeffery Dean Watkins, her parents Alexander and Anna Swann and her siblings Verna, Norman, Elsie, Glenda and Janet.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 am at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston, Idaho. Viewings will be held Friday from 6-8 pm and again Saturday prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 am at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Preston Idaho Cemetery.

We are so grateful for all those who helped Opal at Heritage Home and the hospital. Dr. Knapp and her caregivers treated her as family. A special thanks to all the family who took such great care of Opal these last 24 years since she moved back to Preston.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com