Helen Juanita Watson

Helen Juanita "Nita" Watson, 84, a lifelong Wenatchee Valley resident, went to meet the Lord on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013 at Central Washington Hospital, following a brief illness. Nita was born on April 22, 1929 in Sunnyslope, to the late Billie and Goldie Mae (Racus) Holland. She graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1947. She married her soul mate, David "Dave" Burke Watson, on Jan. 23, 1949. Nita was a longtime member of the Sunnyslope Church of the Brethren. She was a Brownie Leader and active with the P.T.A. at Lewis and Clark Elementary. She was an avid supporter of all her childrens' activities, including sports and theater. Nita was the epitome of a "people person" and had the gift of gab. She also enjoyed reading, playing pinochle, collecting teddy bears, camping, music, theater, and doting on her three grandchildren. Nita retired in 1989 after 24 years as the face of the YMCA. Prior to that she packed apples and worked at Zittings, while raising her family. After retiring, she and Dave moved to East Wenatchee in 1993. Nita and Dave were among the founding members of the River City Chapter of the Good Sams and served as Wagonmaster more than once. They enjoyed many years of travel and social gatherings with the club, and as well as numerous family adventures throughout the years. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Dave Watson, East Wenatchee; one son, Bill Watson and his partner, Delbert Deach, Palm Springs, CA; one daughter, Sue Watson, Port Orchard, WA; one daughter-in-law, Dottie Watson, Maple Valley, WA; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry & Vera Fern Holland, Sunnyslope; and Ernie & Maria Holland, East Wenatchee; and three grandchildren, David VanLandingham, Eugene, OR, Loree Leavitt, and Lisa Griffith, both of Wenatchee. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Bob Watson and John Watson, and one brother, Dale Holland. A Celebration Service will be held at Saddlerock Presbyterian Church, 1400 S. Miller, Wenatchee on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bob Watson Memorial Fund, c/o Community Foundation of North Central Washington, 9 South Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801. You are invited to visit her tribute online and leave a memory at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Helen Juanita Watson

April 22, 1929 - November 15, 2013