Gene Rose Vitale Watkins, June 28, 1926- August 8, 2010   Long time Corvallis resident Gene Rose Watkins, 84, peacefully passed away at home Sunday evening August 8th.  Gene was a remarkable woman and selflessly committed much of her life to the service of others. Her gentle and generous spirit made a lasting impression on her family, friends, and patients alike and she will be dearly missed.  Gene has the distinction of being the first self-employed physical therapist in Corvallis. She founded Kings Road Physical Therapy in 1967, and retired in 1988 after nearly 40 years as a physical therapist.  During her career she maintained an impeccable reputation and always made patient care a top priority. She cared deeply for her work, her employees and her family.  Born and raised in Derry, Pennsylvania, Gene was the oldest child of Alphonse and Mary Vitale.  She graduated from Derry Borough High School with highest honors in 1944.  Gene completed her undergraduate work at Seton Hill College in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and her professional training at the University of Pittsburg's D.T. Watson School of Physical Therapy.  Shortly after graduating, Gene moved to Oregon to continue working as a physical therapist. In 1954, Gene married Thomas Watkins.  They were married for 55 years before his death just nine months ago in November of 2009.  Gene is survived by her children Jim (Joanne) Watkins of Vancouver, WA; Tom (Terri) Watkins of Corvallis, OR; Mary Morton of McMinnville, OR; and Margaret (Rob) McQueen of Redding, CA.   Gene also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Matt and Genna Watkins, Katie and Jason McQueen, and Sean (Becky) Harding as well as her loving siblings Martha McGinnis of Latrobe, PA; Marjorie "Gigi" Rondinella of Danville, IN; Annette (Don) Furgerson of Mt. Joy, PA; and Carroll (Jennie) Vitale of Fort Worth, TX.  Gene also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.One of Gene's favorite things to do was to travel. She visited several countries around the world and was often planning her next big adventure on the heels of her most recent trip. She was able to combine her love for travel and her passion for her work into several trips to physical therapy conferences. It was at these conferences that she would learn the latest therapy techniques, visit any family or friends in the area, and bring back what she had learned to generously share with patients, doctors and other therapists in the area.  Gene was well known for her gourmet meals, and loved to entertain friends and family.  Her office staff and many of her immediate family and friends had the pleasure of indulging in her made from scratch "Red Cake".  Gene always found the time to create one and deliver it to the lucky birthday recipient. She also enjoyed sewing with friends, including the Monday "sew-and-sews", and getting together with her family and former employees. Gene's attitude towards life, even in her final days, was always positive and youthful.  Her continued devotion to her adoring family, friends, and ex-employees was inspiring to those close to her and she will be dearly missed.Contributions in Gene's memory can be made to Corvallis Stone Soup or Benton Hospice Service.   A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 20th at 11 AM, St. Mary's Catholic Church in Corvallis.  Arrangements are being provided by AAsum-Dufour funeral home.