Alice J. Watts

Our Heavenly Father opened his arms to welcome a beautiful angel, Alice “Jean” Watts, 90, on April 24, 2016, surrounded by her devoted family at her daughter’s home in Lakeville, Minn.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Humboldt, Iowa. Burial was in North Lawn Cemetery, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

     Alice Jean Watts, the daughter of Chester and Bonita Edwards, was born June 23, 1925.  She was helped into this world by a midwife on her grandparent’s farm near Callendar, Iowa.  As a child, she made her home with her family briefly in Fort Dodge before settling in Dakota City.  She received her education in Dakota City and Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School with the class of 1944.  Following her education, Jean worked in Ruse’s Drug Store, Reed’s Jewelry, the Humboldt Hotel, and the Humboldt County Court House.  She was united in marriage to Ronald Watts on April 2, 1949 at New Ulm, Minn. and the couple made their home in Humboldt.  In the early 1950’s the family moved to Clear Lake.

     During their many years in Clear Lake, Jean was active in the First Congregational Church and took great pride in her years of volunteerism.  She also enjoyed gardening, card club, and faithfully recording in her journal.  She especially enjoyed her work with Opportunity Village.  She was employed in the Surf Ballroom and as an Avon Representative for many years.

     Following the death of Ronald in 1999, Jean returned to Humboldt.  She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, in Humboldt, where she was active in Circle and the Alter Guild.  She continued her volunteer work in the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital coffee bar and delivering Meals on Wheels.  In April of 2015, Jean made her home at Apple Valley Villa in Apple Valley, Minn. until her health and eye site no longer allowed her to live independently. The end of her life was spent at her daughter’s home with her family at her side.   

Jean is survived by her children, Pamela (Mike) Patterson of Lakeville, Jennifer Rocks, of Apple Valley, Minn., and Bradley (April Nichols) Watts, of Clear Lake; grandchildren, Adam Patterson, Tyler Patterson, Dylan Patterson, Leah Watts, Cohen Watts, Martina Rocks, and Shelby Scott; great-grandchildren, Gwen and Oliver Patterson; sisters, Patricia Sleiter, of Humboldt, Judi Pedersen, of Harlan, Marilyn Torgerson, of Humboldt, Helen Thorson, of Clarinda, and Joyce Hansen, of Humboldt; and brother, Cliff Edwards, of American Fork, Utah.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald Watts; son, Michael Watts; sisters, Marian Edwards and Donna Grebner; and brother, Jack Edwards.

     Memorials may be given by the family to the Congregation UCC Church.

Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home, in Humboldt, was in charge of arrangements.