Born November 21, 1959, in Paintsville, Kentucky, the daughter of Colleen Salyer Salyer and the late James Shepherd. Step-father, Granis Salyer, and husband, Jimmy “Booger” Watkins also preceded in death.
Rita loved going to Connelley Farm for racing and was known for being the Powder Puff Dirt Track Champion. She loved spending time with her family as well.
Those left to cherish her memory is mother, Colleen Salyer of Salyersville, Kentucky, daughters, Jamie Singleton and husband Carl of Blytheville, Arkansas Jeanna Marie and husband Roger Horn of Nicholasville, Kentucky, son, Joshua Watkins and wife Amanda of Salyersville, Kentucky, five grandchildren, Peyton Singleton, Kyle Bailey, Kaleb Stephens, Breanna Horn O’Daniel, and Austin Horn, and one great granddaughter, Violet O’Daniel, and a host of family and friends who love and miss her.
Funeral services for Rita Kay Shepherd Watkins will be conducted Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM from the chapel of the Salyersville Funeral Home in Salyersville, Kentucky. Interment will follow in the Jackson Cemetery in Oakley, Kentucky. The family will welcome friends Thursday, January 15, after 5:00 PM and anytime prior to funeral services.
The Salyersville Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Online condolences, flowers, and gifts are available on salyersvillefuneralhome.com.
