Ina Watson: ‘As beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside’

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Ina Church Watson

Ina Jean Watson, 94, of Eureka, California, passed away on December 15.  

Ina was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.  She will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her kindness, generosity, deep faith, and baking the best pies ever. Ina had a spicy side, even though she was mostly sweet. She got the flower growing and baking gene from her mother, Ota.  She grew the most beautiful flowers and especially loved roses.    

Ina and her husband, Leroy, loved to dance.  For many years, they went to the Moose Lodge every weekend and danced their hearts out. She was always up for new experiences, which included dancing the hula on a trip to Hawaii.  

Ina loved the ocean and the sense of peace it gave her.  Her favorite color was green, which went well with her beautiful brown eyes. Ina was born on January 30, 1931, in Pound, Virginia, the oldest child of the late Buck and Ota Church.  In 1937, the family, including her sister, Virginia, and brother, Royce, moved from the mountains of Virginia to Raymond, Washington looking for a better life. She married George Mullins in 1950 with whom she had her five children.  

Ina will be greatly missed by her family.  She is survived by her loving husband of almost 30 years, Leroy Modine, daughter, Sheila Maraigh (Don), sons, Mark, Greg (Betsy), and Doug (Lorrie) Mullins, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her brother, Royce Church.    

She was preceded in death by parents, Carlis (Buck) and Ota Church, her son, Philip Mullins, grandson, Luke Mullins, sister, Virginia Mossman, and her second husband, Charles Watson. Ina worked at Green’s Pharmacy in Garberville and then for over 20 years Henderson Center Pharmacy, specializing in the make-up counter, serving her customers with knowledge and grace.

For the past 2 ½ years, Ina has been a resident at Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center where she was loved by all.  She would light up when Leroy came for his daily visits and immediately ask for a kiss.   A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Eureka on Tuesday, December 30 at 10:00am.