Barbara J (Watkins) O'Neill Obituary (1934 - 2024)

Barbara J. (Watkins) O'Neill was born on January 19, 1934, in Loup City, Nebraska, to Harry and Lottie Watkins and the youngest of three children. Barbara graduated from Yakima High School in 1952 and went on to Washington State University. There she got her nursing degree and meet her "cowboy" Phillip G. O'Neill. She graduated in nursing in June of 1956, and in September 1956 they were married. In 1962 Barbara and Phillip welcome their only child, a son, Arthur Shane O'Neill into their lives. Barbara went onto get her master's degree in nursing and started teaching and Tacoma General School of nursing and Shoreline Community College where she retired in 1994. Her hobbies were belonging to many sewing groups, where she loved sharing new patterns and teaching those that needed help. She worked with WSU extension office of textiles teaching sewing. She loved the theater where she traveled all over the world and met many friends she still has today. Wine tasting outings never passed by if she was asked or organized herself. Barbara is survived by her son, Arthur O'Neill and grandson, Thomas Corll. Barbara was proceeded in death by her husband, Phillip O'Neill, daughter in law, Colleen (Corll) O'Neill, her parents and one brother, one sister. Barbara's family would like to give a special thanks to all the family members, those at Valley Medical Center and caregivers at Senior Care Living, (Elizabeth Asfaw) for their love and support through this shared journey. Barbara O'Neill's services are on June 28, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church - 25810 156th Ave. S.E. - Covington, WA 98042. Reception to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: WSU Foundation P.O. Box 641925 Pullman, WA 99164-1925 Mark Envelope: "Dean's Excellence Fund of Nursing" in Barbara O'Neill's name.