Virginia Sophie Watkins

Virginia Sophie Watkins (nee Bytnar) was born on August 20, 1942, to Polish immigrants, Walter and Sophie Bytnar, in Blue Island, Illinois. Her parents and brother, Steven Bytnar departed this life before her, as did her first husband, Charles Ronald Casey; and her husband, Chester A. Watkins.

Her surviving siblings are Stanley Bytnar, Christine Samec; and her sister-in-law, Constance Bytnar. Virginia's surviving children are Denise L. Anderson (William), Barbara A. Beal (Timothy), and Kelline Jourdan (Al). Many loving stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nephews survive her.

She lived in Chicago and Lake Villa, Illinois, for most of her life, moving to West Plains, Missouri, after marrying Chester Watkins—with whom she enjoyed a marriage in retirement of over 20 years—and then in Kodiak, Alaska, for the past ten years.

While Virginia first lived with her daughter, Denise Anderson in Kodiak, Alaska, eventually poor health caused her to seek assisted living in the nearby Providence Elder House, where she passed from this life on November 15, 2025, in hope of the resurrection and eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Virginia will be entombed at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary, IL 60013. A Celebration of Life will be held for Virginia at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 12, at The Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake, 575 E Crystal Lake, IL 60014. A live stream video link will be available for viewing during the service.