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Wanda Gail Watkins
Obituaries
January 3, 2024
Wanda Gail Watkins

Dec. 29, 1940-Dec. 20, 2023

Wanda Gail Watkins of Ridgway passed away at her home. She was 82.

Wanda was born to Leonard and Edythe Cook in Ouray, Colorado. Wanda was raised in Ridgway, attending school K-12 at Ridgway public school. She was a lifelong member of Ridgway Community Church, where she volunteered at potluck lunches, senior meals, church in the park and shoeboxes at Christmas time. Wanda was a very caring and loving person and always had a smile and heart of gold.

Wanda married Richard Watkins on Dec. 10, 1961. Together they raised two sons in Ridgway. She is survived by her two sons, Rick of Grand Junction and Randy (Kayal) of Fruita; grandchildren Jessica (Iane) Varner, Amanda (Todd) Andrews, Harlan Watkins, Ryan Watkins, Katie Watkins, Chris (Savannah) Watkins, and Ashlie Watkins; and seven great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in rest by husband Richard Watkins; parents Leonard and Edythe Cook (Wilson) and Duane Wilson; children Richard Russell Watkins (1962) and Devona Gail Watkins (1964); and sister Leslie Newby.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. at Ridgway Community Church. A potluck will follow the service. Please bring a dish to share.

Best feathers forward
Main
Best feathers forward
August 19, 2026
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Bear activity ramping up
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Bear activity ramping up
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By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
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News
County road superintendent arrested on suspicion of DUI
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Council cites unanswered questions, concerns about consolidation A proposal to consolidate all of Ouray County’s fire departments and its emergency medical services into one organization absorbed anot...
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Chamber music fest returns to San Juans
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Chamber music fest returns to San Juans
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
August 19, 2026
World-renowned concert pianist Max Levinson and the Ulysses String Quartet return to Ouray County next week for the Ouray County Performing Arts Guild's 43rd annual San Juan Chamber Music Festival. Th...
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Ouray County commissioners awarded Haynes Excavation Inc. the contract for the Emergency Watershed Protection project at a special meeting Monday for certain areas below the Gold Mountain Fire burn sc...
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A presentation about an idea for a “free box” by a Ridgway National Honor Society student at the Ridgway Town Council meeting Aug. 12 led to lengthy discussion and a $750 contribution to the project, ...
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Debra Lynn Todd
Obituaries
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November 5, 1953 – August 15, 2026 Debra Lynn Todd, 72, of Ouray, Colorado, passed away on August 15, 2026. She was born November 5, 1953, in Hutchinson, Kansas. She was the daughter of Chester and Ka...
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Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2026
August 19, 2026
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Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

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