Deanna C. Watson

Deanna C. Watson, 75, of Washington passed away Friday, October 26, 2018 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born on February 3, 1943 in Davenport, IA the daughter of Leon and June Hitchcock Skinner. Because of circumstances related to WWII, Deanna (Dee) was adopted by June’s sister Vera and Leroy Deters. Dee married her high school sweetheart, Monty Watson, on August 6, 1962 in Davenport, IA.

Monty and Dee met in the band at West High School in Davenport, where she played the clarinet and Monty played the saxophone.  After marriage, Monty and Dee soon relocated to Washington, IL where they raised their four children. Dee was a supportive, nurturing, loving mother and wife who was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends whether it was to make a costume, decorate for a party, or read books to her children. After the children were older, Dee went back to school and received her dental hygienist degree, and eventually became the main dental hygienist for Dr. Borzello in Eureka for over 20 years. During her career, she was especially proud of a mission trip to Haiti in which a group of dentists and dental hygienists helped improve the oral hygiene of Haitians. Dee also helped Monty open “Chef’s Catering” in 1990, which has been a successful catering business for 29 years. She was an active member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, where she was part of CSI small group that was very special to her. They met every Thursday for lunch and prayer. Through her faith, Dee helped guide several people to the church.

Surviving are her husband Monty; three daughters, Wendy (Brad) Rager of Peoria, Becky (Mark) Martin, Joelle (Mark) Youngman, and one son Erik Watson, all of Washington. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren David, Audrey, Jana, Marianne, Monica, Ruth, Nick, Katie, Boone, Leah, Zach, Christopher, and 16 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Dee’s three brothers and one sister.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 5:45 pm Friday, November 2, 2018 at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington. A memorial service is scheduled for 6:00 pm with Pastor Jason Woolover officiating.  A time of fellowship to celebrate her life will follow Dee’s service at the church, where food and drink will be provided. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Deanna Watson’s Memorial Fund.  Please send donations to Washington State Bank, 1110 Peoria Street P.O. Box 129, Washington, Il 61571.  In honor of her love of reading and appreciation of a pretty nightgown, funds will be used to buy books to benefit the schools of her great-grandchildren as well as hospital gowns to benefit the residents of OSF Richard Owens Hospice House. Dee always saw the importance of a good book and a pretty nightgown! 

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