Kaylee N. Watkins

WATKINS, Kaylee N. age 18, of Kettering, OH, passed away on Friday, July 3rd, 2026.

Kaylee was born on April 9, 2008, to David and Andry Watkins, in Kettering, OH. Kaylee had recently graduated from Kettering Fairmont High School in 2026 and was eagerly looking forward to beginning the next chapter of her life at Wright State University, where she planned to study Early Childhood Education. She had already completed two years in Fairmont's Early Childhood Education career-tech program and knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life, to become an elementary school teacher. Anyone who knew Kaylee knew she had found her calling.

Children absolutely loved Kaylee, and she loved them just as much. Whether she was working at Explorations Child Enrichment, spending time with family, or simply meeting a child for the first time, her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit made every child feel safe, valued, and loved. She possessed a rare gift for making others smile and feel important.

Kaylee's heart was as beautiful as her smile. She was one of the kindest and most compassionate people you could ever meet. She was quick to offer a compliment, generous with her time, and remarkably loyal to her forever friends Lyndsey, Jayme, Lily, Becky, and the love of her life, Jacob.

She saw the good in people and chose kindness every chance she had. Her quiet strength, caring nature, and genuine love for others touched countless lives. The joy she brought into our lives can never be measured, and the emptiness left by her passing cannot be expressed in words.

Although Kaylee's life was far too short, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy will be found in every act of kindness inspired by her example, every child whose life she brightened, and every memory shared by those who loved her. We urge all who knew her to continue her legacy of empathy, kindness and generosity. As Kaylee’s tattoo states, “Where there is darkness, BE the light.” Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that her legacy will never end.

We will carry Kaylee with us every day, forever grateful for the eighteen beautiful years we were blessed to call her our daughter.

Our family would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this unimaginable time. We ask that you continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we learn to navigate life without our precious Kaylee.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Ovidio Bocanegra; uncle, Brian “Kenny” Scott; and grandfather, David Scott.

Kaylee is survived by her parents, David and Andry Watkins; siblings, Michael (Nicole) Watkins, Jordan (Kayla) Watkins, Mariah (Pierce) LeVangie, Noah Watkins, and Julian Garcia; maternal grandmother, Veronica Kohake; paternal grandmother, Mary-Louise Scott; paternal grandfather, Frederick (Donna) Watkins; aunts and uncles, Ovidio Bocanegra, Aldo (Sandra) Bocanegra, Lara (Clark) Mote, Susan Hymer, William “Davy” Scott; boyfriend, Jacob Lightcap; beloved dog, Oscar; and numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. Kettering, OH. A funeral service will be held at 11am the following day, also at Routsong Funeral Home Kettering. Burial at David’s Cemetery, Kettering. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to her memorial fund at:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kaylee-watkins-funeral?attribution_id=sl:3521566c-bb6c-4673-9df1-0bf117221c90&lang=en_US&ts=1783359411&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link