Bertha Watson

BERTHA J. WATSON Bertha June Watson, daughter of Richard Leo and Florence Uneta Runyan Sopok, was born April 19, 1928 in Crawford County, Kansas. She departed this life, Friday, March 27, 2009 in Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of eighty years, eleven months and eight days. On December 27, 1974 in Springfield, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Marion Steven Watson. Together they shared thirty-three years, until his passing on August 11, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Richard Sopok and a sister, Rosemary Warren. Survivors include four children, Bill Watson and wife Sharon of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Steve Watson and wife Tina of Macks Creek, Missouri, Robin Bruner-Hahn and partner Joe Larson of Linn Creek, Missouri and Dowty Watson and wife Leisa of Montreal, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Crosby and husband Gary of Afton, Oklahoma and Pat Forste of Oronogo, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Marjorie Watson-Jones of Hiawatha, Kansas and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Bertha was raised in the Willard, Missouri area and graduated from Pleasant Hope High School. She began her working career at Western Electric in Kansas City and later worked at Zenith for many years until her marriage to Marion. She loved animals and raised rabbits and ran a worm farm for many years. She and Marion later operated Watson's Kennel where they raised and sold dogs. They raised geese and chickens and she was well known for the eggs she sold. She worked for Wal-Mart in Camdenton for many years before retiring. She made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of Linn Creek Baptist Church where she served as Treasurer and Secretary of the church for many years. In her spare time she volunteered at the Camden County Historical Museum. She used an antique loom to make rugs. She was also talented in tatting lace, crocheting and needle work. She served as election judge in Linn Creek for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Bertha was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt and was a caring neighbor and friend. She made an impact on many lives and her memory will live on forever. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2009 in Linn Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Percival Cemetery, Linn Creek. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Blue Moon Sanctuary and left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.