Mary Joann Watson, 84, of rural Montezuma was called home to our Lord and Savior Thursday afternoon, Oct. 20, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. A reception/visitation will follow the service in the Community Hope Church Event Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Crazy Cut Ups Quilters Ministry.
Mary Jo was born Jan. 24, 1938, to Floyd and Helen (McKibbin) Hasley in Montezuma. She graduated from Searsboro High School in 1955. She was united in marriage to Raymond Watson Sept. 2, 1955. They farmed around the Searsboro and Montezuma area. They were blessed with four children: Ann, Karol, Brian, and Mark.
Mary Jo was an avid gardener. She became a Master Gardener and was known to her family for her beautiful flowers and vegetables. She will be remembered for her gift of storytelling. She wrote The Bunker Hill News for many area newspapers. She enjoyed riding Harley Davidsons and traveling the country with Raymond and friends. Mary Jo owned and operated Lookin’ Good Salon for many years. She enjoyed talking with all of her customers. She was always active in church, most recently attending Community Hope in Montezuma.
Mary Jo is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Raymond; and her four children and their spouses, Ann Marie Watson, Karol Watson, Brian (Dawn) Watson, and Mark (Vonna) Watson; her 13 grandchildren: Rachel Perez, Rebekah (Ben) Fogt, Derek Ebert, Andy Rockwell, Josh (Laura) Rockwell, David (Taylor) Rockwell, Brianne Watson, Paige Watson, Camden (Brittany) Watson, Ryan Watson, Jacob (Sam) Watson, Abigail (Lance) Johnston, and Samantha Watson; as well as 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Barb (Gene) Long and Carolyn Jontz; brother Wayne (Ruth) Hasley; sisters-in-law Mary Lu Watson, Rilla (Ronnie) Baker, Martha (Don) Vos, and LuAnne (Mike) Dean; brother-in-law Bill (Diane) Watson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Ray (LeAnn) Hasley; a sister in infancy Eleanor; parents-in-law Lewis and Lucile Watson; and brothers-in-law Dave Jontz, Freddy Watson, and Robert Watson in infancy.
Mary Jo will always be remembered for her fiery spirit and her love of laughter.
