Heavenly "Laurie" Watkins

Heavenly “Laurie” Watkins, age 67, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Sylvania, surrounded by her loving family. Laurie passed away after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer.

Laurie was born on January 16, 1959, to Leo and Judith (Carlson) Shagena in Toledo. She married Jerry Watkins on April 4, 1986. Laurie lived a life marked by kindness, strength, and devotion to family and friends. Throughout her illness, she faced each challenge with remarkable courage, grace, and determination inspiring all who knew and loved her.

For many years, she worked as a server, where her outgoing and bold personality, strong work ethic, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on countless guests and coworkers. Though she held several positions throughout her career, she truly found her home at the Whitehouse Inn. There, she built lasting friendships and became a familiar and beloved presence to both staff and patrons. She took great pride in her work and was known for her kindness, dedication, and ability to make everyone laugh. The Whitehouse Inn was more than a workplace to her; it was a community she cherished and where she left an enduring mark on all who knew her.

She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She cherished her friendships and never met a stranger. If she wasn’t at home, she could be found spoiling her grandchildren, at Club16 playing cards with friends, thrifting, shopping at garage sales, or cooking for friends or family. Prior to Jerry’s passing, they loved riding their Harley Davidson motorcycle and taking multi-state trips together. They were members of Travelers MC.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Nikki Shagena and Brad (Jen) Schalow; grandchildren, Kelsey, Madison, Olivia, Ethan and Lillie; great-grandchildren, Toby, Honor, Aaliyah, Legend and Alias; stepfather, Chip Whitmore; sisters, Shelly Lanzenberger, Melissa Shagena-Stilson; special pup, Izzy; many nieces and nephews, other relatives; and a host of dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; father, Leo; mother, Judith; grandparents; sister, Cathy Shagena; and brothers, Alan Shagena and Steven Shagena.

Per Laurie’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. The family will receive guests on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Club 16, 316 S. King Rd., Holland, OH 43528, for a celebration of life.