Mary Louise Watkins
Missing since May 17, 1979 from Modesto, Stanislaus County, California.
Classification: Missing

Vital Statistics

• Date Of Birth: April 20, 1925
• Age at Time of Disappearance: 54 years old
• Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'2"; 130 lbs.
• Distinguishing Characteristics: White female. Brown hair; hazel eyes. Wears glasses with dark plastic frames.
• Marks, Scars: Surgical scars on lower torso
• Dentals: Not available

Circumstances of Disappearance
Watkins was last seen on May 17, 1979 in Modesto, packing her belongings into a car. She was last seen by a friend, with who she had been living. She told her friend she was moving to San Jose to live with her daughter. Watkins never made it to her daughters home.

Her vehicle was found two days later in the parking lot of what now is known as the Sutter Gould Medical Foundation building at 600 Coffee Road. None of her property was in the car.

Watkins has 28000 dollar in cash with her when she left for San Jose. The money was from the sale of her Modesto home. She had told her banker she was going to use the money to invest in property together with a friend. Police contacted Watkins' daughter who said she knew nothing about her mothers plan to move in with her, not that she had sold her home. Several days after the car was found, the daughter received a letter from Watkins saying she was eloping to get married. Watkins' disappearance is suspicious since she gave several friends different stories as to why she was going out of town. It seemed she was trying to keep her plans a secret. Wtkins worked as a nurse at Modesto City Hospital prior to her disappearance. Foul play is suspected.

Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

Modesto Police Department
209-572-9532

Agency Case Number:
79039929

NCIC Number:
M-648750494
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:
Modesto Police Department
California Department of Justice
The Modesto Bee - Aug 30, 1979