Cambridge-Marilyn Arlene Watkins, of Cambridge, went home to be with God and her family Wednesday, May 18, 2016.  She was the daughter of the late Frank J. Ruggles and Mabel R. Brimmer Ruggles Gates.

Marilyn was born early in the morning at home in White Creek NY. Marilyn attended her first years of school in the one room school house in White Creek, and later attended in Albany for several years. Marilyn also took continuing education classes, towards becoming a Criminal Court Judge.  When she moved back to White Creek, she met the love of her life and married Donald Lewis Watkins, Sr. on December 24, 1955.

Marilyn worked at Mary McClellan Hospital. They went on to raise a family of 5, all the neighborhood children and later found Donald's son. Marilyn was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #634, for 59 years. She enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, boating, reading and crocheting. She enjoyed living in Daleville, Alabama for 13 years and her years camping on Bulwagga Bay.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband on August 13, 2010; her sisters Emily Harrington, and Lillian Smith; her brothers, Franklin Ruggles, Arthur Gates, Jr., Raymond Gates, and Donald Ruggles, and her beloved poodle, Brandy.

She is survived by her daughters, Deneise Kenny of Johnsonville, NY, Darlene O'Shea and her husband Martin of Bennington, VT, Deawanna Carknard and her husband Joseph of Daleville, AL, and her sons, Donald (Jake) Jr. and his wife Karen of Hebron NY, Douglas and his wife Judy of Wells, VT, and step-son, Leonard Oddy and his wife MaryAnn of Schenectady NY.  She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Francis Ormsbee, Loriane Burnett, Mabel Bryant and three brothers, Samuel Ruggles, Johnathan Ruggles, and Lawerence Gates, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

A life celebration at the Captain Maxson American Legion Post #634, 2106 NY-22, Cambridge will be on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 4:30 pm.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, 37 Gilbert St., Cambridge, NY  12816 or the St Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN  38148.