Albra Jean was born on July 16th, 1943, in Ontario OR to the late Wayne Watkins and Albra Rosin Watkins. She grew up most of her life in Weiser ID and was the second child of 4 siblings, Ronnie, Judy and Cindy. Growing up she used to share how when her friends were off chasing boys she went home and took her horse for a ride. Albra graduated from Weiser High School and worked at a local Radio station afterwards until she met her first boyfriend (John Richmond the 2nd) in 1966 they were married 3 months later on March 21st, 1967. They lived in Denver for the next year where her oldest child Bahalbra Hartpence was born in Feb 1968. Shortly after that they moved back to Idaho where her other 5 children were born: Jane, Lawrence, John, Matt and Fred. She was a stay-at-home mom and when she had a chance, she would pack up her children and head out on adventurous road trips. That was when she was happiest during this part of her life. Her marriage was not a happy union and after almost 15 years of marriage John and Albra did divorce, but she being the dedicated person she was looked after him up until he died in 1991. It was when her divorce took place that Albra was finally able to pursue her true passions, her love for her children and her desire to find the true path to serve God. Growing up while her friends were out going to parties, Albra would be home trying to gain a better understanding of what God’s plan was. She found what she was looking for in July 1985 when she was baptized into the Church of Christ, and she dedicated her life to serving God and raising her boys. That was when she found true happiness. After her children were raised, she would live with different ones and help raise her grandchildren. She said once, when she moved in with Fred, all the small children make me feel alive. She was truly alive when she had a house full of children. Her other passion was doing anything and everything to help the brethren out. She would open her home to anyone who needed a place to stay, even though she had very little she was always willing to give to who she thought had need of it. She loved being with the Christians and fellowshipping with them whenever she had a chance. Her life went from dark and gloomy to bright and joyous. It wasn't always easy, but for the first time she felt she had direction. She faced everything that came her way with meekness, humility and faith in God. She truly believed that God would be there for her every step of the way. She is someone you would never hear complain about what was given her in this life. She would find a way to see the good in all that was put on her plate. In 2012 this inter strength and faith she had really shined through when she was diagnosed with a rare lung disease and given 5 years to live, boy did she show those doctors they were wrong, in the end her disease did take her life but not without a fight. Not without teaching those closest to her lessons of faith and perseverance. How if you stay on your path and don't waiver what you can overcome. She was a woman who taught by example and not words. She was a quiet soul and yet she touched so many hearts with how she lived. She will be deeply missed by so many. Albra was proceeded in death by her parents, her Grandson little Freddie, and her Granddaughter Alexia Rose. She is survived by her three siblings; Ronnie Watkins, Judy (last name Unknown) and Cindy (Last name Unknown); her six children; Bobbi Watkins (Mark), Jane Casebolt, Lawrence Hartpence (Lisa), John Richmond the 3rd (Melissa), Matt Hartpence (Melanie) and Fred Hartpence (Becky); 28 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. Albra’s viewing will be at Zeyer Funeral Chapel: 83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa, ID 83651, Thursday June 20, 2024, from 6-8 pm. There will be a Graveside Service at Kohlerlawn Cemetery 76 6th ST N Nampa, Id 83687, Friday June 21, 2024, at 11 am. Albra's family would like to thank you for your generosity and prayers. We are truly grateful for all the love you have shown us through this time, but more so the love you brought into her life at a time when she truly needed it the most. For showing her that she could have a life full of happiness when her life seemed so dark. We will always be so grateful for this.
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