Sally Vona Watkinson

Sally Vona Watkinson (Philp), 89, died of natural causes 9/3/2026. Born 7/16/1937 in Burns Wyoming to C. Verne and Florence Philp, the 5th of 6 siblings. She grew up on a ranch near Grover Colorado next to her grandparents’ ranch. After graduating from Grover High School in 1955, she moved to Fort Collins to attend Colorado A&M college (predecessor to Colorado State University) to study Engineering. She excelled in Math and Science but met with resistance from the professors because engineering was a male dominated field of study in those days. She met and dated Gayle (Watty) Watkinson in college. They eloped in Raton New Mexico 4/14/1956. They lived their long full lives together in Fort Collins Colorado and raised 4 kids. Sally worked as an Electronic Assembler for a Hewlett Packard contractor. She was a meticulous housekeeper for several clients. She travelled the rodeo circuit as bookkeepers with her good friend Wilma. Sally was part a bowling league with Gayle. She volunteered at the Avery House and served as president of the organization for a time. She was a past member of the Pioneer Association and participated in the Elks lodge with Gayle. She liked gardening and caring for pets. She had many small dogs and cats over the years. Leaving behind her companion, Sadie, a Chihuahua. Sally was an excellent cook, had a keen eye for decorating, and enjoyed hosting elaborate holiday dinners and parties for family, friends, and neighbors. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers - Charles and Tommy, 2 sisters - Nancy and Sylvia, and by husband Gayle. Sally is survived by her 4 children, Karla Kim Younessi (Ramin), Wes Watkinson, Les Watkinson (Lori), Lisa Walters, and 4 grandchildren Gage, Jessica, Allie, Lauren, sister Noreen Lake (Bob) and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sally will be cremated and interred with her husband at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins Colorado under the care of Vessey Funeral Services. No memorial is planned.