Petra Anne Watkins

Petra Anne Watkins, born to John and Maxine Pasley in Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed on May 11, 2025. True to her name meaning "rock," Petra was the foundation upon which family and friends flourished.

Though small in stature, Petra’s gentle strength nurtured all around her. A 1965 graduate of Cheyenne Central High School and Denver Business College alum, her greatest joy was her loving family.

She is survived by sons John Kenneth (wife Kiley, sons Ethan and Grady) and Matthew Taylor (wife Nicholle, children Bemley and Guthrie). She was preceded in death by her husband Don Watkins and sister Mary Hayden Pasley.

Petra had a gift for savoring beauty and connection — tending to wildflowers, pansies, and tulips; collecting rocks, enjoying birdsong, playful family dogs, puzzles, picnics, and blowing bubbles with her grandchildren.

Her favorite color was green—symbolizing the growth she inspired in everyone fortunate enough to know her, and that lives on.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.