Obituary of Gloria Betty Laboe Watkins-Conner

Gloria Betty Laboe Watkins-Conner was born in Newport, Michigan. She was one of three children born from the union of the late Adolphus “Duff” LaBeau and the late Antoinette (Hoffman) LaBeau. She graduated from Monroe High School.

In 1947, Gloria married the late Eugene Watkins and was blessed to have four children with this union. Gloria was lucky enough to find true love twice in her life. She married her second love Merrill Conner in February 1993 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe, whom she had known since elementary school. Gloria owned the Martinizing Dry Cleaners in Monroe for over 40 years before retiring in 2005. She was life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Besides being active in her church, Gloria was a strong supporter of several charities, particularly those committed to helping those who cannot help themselves such as babies, children and animals. Gloria always put her family before herself, and was a guiding force for her children. At the dry-cleaning business, she was always great with customers and many of her former employees commented that she was the best boss they ever had.

Gloria enjoyed entertaining and spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially around the holidays. She also liked traveling and shopping. Gloria is remembered by her family as a great mom, as well for her strength and generosity.

Gloria Betty Laboe Watkins-Conner, age 93, of Monroe passed away on October 19, 2018. Her passing was preceded by her parents, her first husband, Eugene Watkins, her brother Charles LaBeau and her sister Winifred Skeba.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of 25 years, Merrill Conner; four children, Sandra (Thomas McBride) Blazoff of Monroe, Richard (Patsy) Watkins of Garden City, Michael ( Mary Jane) Watkins of Dearborn Heights, Toni (Mark) Adrian of Monroe; two stepchildren, Rodney (Dorothy) Conner of Virginia and Diane Barton of Texas; 12 grandchildren, Shelly, Bradley (Leanne), Michael (Loretta), Steven (Stephanie), Jeannie (Washington), Stacey (Donny), Nichole (Bob), Tara (Michael), Nicholas (Courtney), Debbie, Keith, Andy as well as numerous great grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Friends may gather on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Life for Gloria will take place on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 11:00am, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Scott Street. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 13200 S. Dixie Highway.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Humane Society of Monroe County. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.