Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Watts

Elizabeth (Betty) Watts, June 22, 1930 - April 18, 2024. Betty passed away peacefully with her eight children by her side. She was 93 years young.  

 Betty Watts, daughter of Frank and Marie (Korger) Gable was born June 22, 1930 in Shelby NE. She was the sixth of eight children.  She attended Kramer High in Columbus, NE and graduated from Shelby High School in 1948.

 Betty married Rex Watts, October 5, 1950. To this union, eight children were born. The family lived in Osceola, Valley, Howells, Winslow and Columbus. She was a stay-at-home mom for most of her life until 1983, when she became a cook at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE, a cook at Scotus High School and North Star Services in Columbus, NE. Betty worked hard all her life and retired at the young age of 79 years.  In 2011, she retired and moved to Papillion, NE. 

 Betty lived for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed family reunions, crossword puzzles, embroidering. playing cards, an avid Huskers fan of football, and especially girls’ volleyball. She loved to travel visiting several states, Germany and when she was 89 years young, traveled to Czech Republic visiting her grandparent’s homeland. She had a great sense of humor, made her children, their friends and all who knew her feel special and loved.  Betty was well loved and loved well.

 Grateful for having shared her life are Patty (Darrell) Peterson Papillion, NE, Gayla (David) Coufal, Clarkson, NE, Dana (Michelle) Watts, Pipestone, MN, Starla (Frank) King, Fremont, NE, Pam (Jim) Prince, Norfolk, NE, Dennis (Roberta) Watts Norfolk, NE Damon (Ora) Watts, Hooper, NE, Angie (Scott) Neumiller, Plattsmouth, NE. 24 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, one sister, Evelyn Morgan, Kimball, NE brother-in-law Harke Volquardsen, CA, numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.

 Betty was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Agnes (John) Kuta, Helen (Ted) Matya, Irene (Dean) Smith, Edward (Norma Jane) Gable, Norma Jean Volquardsen, Donald (Luella) Gable and Merle Morgan, brother-in-law, grandson Darrell Peterson, Jr. 

 Betty’s family request memorials to Tabitha Hospice of Omaha (https://www.tabitha.org/give/donate/). Private burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Shelby, NE. June 22, 2024, celebrating Betty’s 94^th birthday.