Sarah Ruth Watkins

Sarah Ruth Watkins, age 91, of the Pond Hill Community near Athens, Tennessee, gently went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday afternoon, January 17. She was a resident of Life Care Center of Athens, where she was surrounded by compassionate care. Born in Rhea County on June 24, 1934, and was a longtime resident of McMinn County. Sarah lived a quiet life rooted in faith, family and love. She was a longtime member of Pond Hill Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of the late Walter James Watkins and Maggie Genoa Millsaps Watkins. She was preceded in death by her cherished sisters, Josie Watkins, Bessie Ingram, and Dixie Henderson (Jack); and her brothers, Lee Watkins, Charlie Watkins, Robert Watkins, Torbert T. Watkins, Litton Watkins, Walter Gray Watkins, Johnny Watkins, and Dean Watkins.

Sarah leaves behind those who loved her dearly; her niece, Donna Wattenbarger (Eddie) of Athens; her great-niece, Melanie Johnson (Mike); and her great-great-nieces and nephew, MaKayla, Madison, and Noah Johnson of Old Fort. She held a special place in their hearts and will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and steadfast faith. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as special in-laws, Bronce Henderson and James Henderson, all of whom will cherish her memory.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Life Care of Athens for the love, patience, and dignity they showed Sarah each day.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Ziegler Funeral Home in Athens, Tennessee, with the Reverend Merle Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow funeral services at Pond Hill Cemetery. There will be no visitation prior to the service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eddie Wattenbarger, Danny Richesin, Mike Johnson, Noah Johnson, Tommy Henderson, and Keith Bottoms.

Sarah’s life was a testimony of quiet faith and trust in the Lord. Her family takes comfort in the promise of Scripture: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” Matthew 25:23.

Though she will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing she is at peace and reunited with loved ones in the presence of her Savior.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Sarah Ruth Watkins.