Ed Gein's alleged girlfriend was Adeline Watkins, who came forward soon after Gein's arrest in 1957 claiming a long-term relationship with him. She initially said they had dated for about 20 years and described Gein as kind and sweet. She even claimed that Gein had proposed to her in 1955, though she declined. Watkins' version suggested they casually discussed murder cases together, but she did not indicate any knowledge or involvement in Gein's crimes. However, weeks after the initial interview, Watkins recanted much of her story, stating their relationship was brief, just about seven months in 1954, and casual. There is no factual evidence that she knew about or participated in Gein's gruesome activities, which included grave robbing and murder. Gein himself never mentioned her publicly, and the idea that she encouraged or knew about his crimes is largely unsupported by credible sources. Thus, it is most likely that Adeline Watkins did not know what Ed Gein was doing in terms of his criminal behavior.
Ed Gein was a secretive, eccentric man whose horrific crimes were only discovered after police investigations. His neighbors and acquaintances, including Watkins, generally perceived him as odd but harmless. The grotesque nature of his crimes was hidden even from those closest to him, making it unlikely that his girlfriend had any knowledge of his actions.
In summary, based on available evidence and statements, Ed Gein's girlfriend did not know about his criminal activities.
