Gertrude J. Watts

Watts, Gertrude Josephine, 83, born on May 29, 1924, in Decatur, IL, resident of Newton and Wichita KS passed into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, April 27, 2008. Viewing will be 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday Thursday with a rosary service at 7:00 P.M Thursday, May 1, at Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 2, at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1425 N. Chautauqua St, Wichita. Burial graveside service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 3, at Calvary Cemetery, Quincy IL. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with a passion for learning, especially history and politics. Endlessly giving of her time she volunteered in many organizations, including, Alpha Phi Mothers Club, Girl Scout leader, Altar Society, St. Marys church and school in Newton, KS, school field trips, room parent for her children and so much more. There was never a time that she could not find time to help others, her family or children. Always continuing to educated herself, she went to college at age 52 and earned a Real Estate Brokers license, founding her own company, “G.W. Realty”. She was the recipient of the award, “Honorary Lifetime Member of Newton Realty Board Association.” Gertrudes strength, love, passion, and kindness will truly be missed. Gertrude was preceded in death by husband, Edward Watts; brothers, Louis and Wilbur Elam; sister, Helen Dickson; sons, Mark Watts and David Watts. Survived by daughters, Marilyn Whitcomb, Teresa Gray and Alicia Glass; brother, Phillip Elam; sisters, Estella Rothermich and Martha Henderson; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Holy Savior Catholic Academy, 6355 E. Willowbrook, Wichita KS 67218. Rosary service 7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 1, at Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Graveside service 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 3, at Calvary Cemetery, Quincy IL.