Lanie Ann Watkins

Lanie Ann Watkins, 2, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., received her miracle as she won her battle with cancer and went be with her heavenly father on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011. Lanie was born on March 12, 2009, in Nevada, Mo. She is the daughter of Brandon and Tessie Watkins. Lanie enjoyed feeding the cows, playing with her cousins, and riding in her John Deere wagon.

Lanie spent many hours at her Aunt Kelly's while mommy taught second grade at El Dorado Springs Elementary and daddy sold parts at Deems Farm Equipment in Nevada. On our way to Aunt Kelly's each morning, Lanie and mommy would sing and pray. They would especially pray for daddy while he worked at John Deere. Lanie loved to argue that daddy didn't work at John Deere, but that he worked with the cows on the farm.

Each summer Lanie spent many hours at the city pool in El Dorado Springs. She loved the water; especially jumping and splashing in it.

When Lanie wanted to be held she would reach out her arms and say, "Hold you." What a great reminder that when we hold our babies they hold us right back.

Two weeks before Lanie's second birthday, Feb. 26, 2011, Lanie was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer. The tumor was resected on March 7, 2011, at LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Lanie celebrated her second birthday on March 12, 2011, in the hospital with many friends and family. On March 21, Lanie began chemotherapy treatments at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where Lanie was known for wearing John Deere boots and riding in the wagon. The doctors and nurses covered Lanie's treatment in prayer and their expertise; however, God had bigger plans for little Lanie. After six months of treatment, Lanie was released to come home with hospice care. Over the next six weeks, Lanie enjoyed being at home with family surrounding her.

Preceding Lanie in death were Uncle William Scott Watkins Jr.; great-grandparents, Raymond and Sena Lou Watkins; great-grandma, Ann Benskin; great-grandparents, Lucian and RosaBelle Carter; great-grandparents, Raymond and June Whited; and great-great-aunt Viola Harvey (Aunti Vi).

Survivors include parents, Brandon and Tessie Watkins; paternal grandparents, Scott and Barbara Watkins; maternal grandparents, Tim and Peggy Carter; Uncle Rusty and Aunt Amy Pittsenbarger, Uncle Travis and Aunt Kelly Bryson, Uncle Tristan and Aunt Linda Hallam, Uncle Tustin and Aunt Jessica Ulrich, Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Jamie Watkins; cousins, Ethan, Cora and Trey Pittsenbarger, Isabelle, Olivia and Sophia Bryson, Kalei and Braxton Hallam, Chloe and Caden Ulrich, and Gavin Watkins.

Funeral services for Lanie Watkins will be held on Saturday, Nov.19, at 10:30 a.m., at the El Dorado Springs High School Gymnasium with the Revs. Scott Greer and Larry Daniel officiating. Jane Griffin provided music. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Travis Bryson, Rusty Pittsenbarger, Tristan Hallam, Tustin Ulrich and Jeremy Watkins. Honorary pallbearers are Albert Stebbins, Tim Carter and Scott Watkins.

Donations can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be left on the funeral home's Web site at www.blandhackleman.com.