Sharon Rae Watkins

Sharon Rae Watkins, age 75, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. Sharon was born on September 9, 1950, to Ray and Gladys (Milks) Besco in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She worked for many years as a healthcare aide at Sacred Heart Nursing Home and volunteered at the Senior Center in Austin. Sharon enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her children, John Watkins, Jamie Watkins, and Mitchell Weller; grandchildren, Tristin Watkins and Alyssa Watkins; brother, Owen (Annette) Besco; and other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Gladys Besco.

A celebration of life will be held for Sharon and her son, John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. They will be buried in Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Memorial donations may be directed to Life Mower County, formerly known as ARC, or to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Carolyn House, in John’s memory. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.