Kaylee N. Watkins

Kaylee N. Watkins, 18, of Kettering, Ohio, passed away on Friday, July 3rd, 2026. She was born on April 9, 2008, to David and Andry Watkins.

A recent graduate of Kettering Fairmont High School (2026), Kaylee 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 — quick to offer a compliment, generous with her time, and remarkably loyal to her forever friends Lindsay, Jaynie, Lily, Becky, and the love of her life, Jacob. She saw the good in people and chose kindness every chance she had.

“In times of darkness, BE the light.”
— David Watkins