Alice Rowena Watson

Alice Rowena Watson, known affectionately as "Meemy", 85, of rural Palestine, IL, died February 18, 2020, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL. She was born August 5, 1934, the daughter of Elda "Ed" O'Dell & Clista O'Dell, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Harold "Gene" Watson on July 1, 1950, and he preceded her in death on December 17, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Norma Lee Shaffer and her brother, Oren Olen O'Dell. She is survived by her daughters, Ragina Childress (Robinson, IL) and Vicki & husband Tim Inboden (Robinson, IL); by her grandchildren & their spouses, Justin & Cher Childress (Robinson, IL), Joshua & Rachael Childress (Terre Haute, IN), Jamicca & Brent Dotson (Robinson, IL), Jonah & Nicole Childress (Terre Haute, IN); by 11 great-grandchildren, Kalee, Brayden, Katlin, Paige, Macy, Jordan, Kelvi, Savannah, Phoenix, Abigail, and Sawyer; by her siblings & their spouses, Jean Parkes (Robinson, IL), Lulu & Jim Finney (Oblong, IL), Darlene Schuchmann (Springfield, IL), Donna Binder (Robinson, IL), Gary O'Dell (Robinson, IL), Bill & Becky O'Dell (Flat Rock, IL), Jake O'Dell (Robinson, IL), Twyla & John Boa (Robinson, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Much of Meemy's early life was spent caring for her house and all who called it "home". This included a number of friends and family that needed somewhere to stay. Soon after she and Gene got married, their young family moved to the Chicago area, and it was at this point in her life that she learned how to cook delicacies from different cultures. This would serve her well for the rest of her life, as her prowess in the kitchen would go on to become the stuff of legend. Her exquisite cooking was enjoyed by anyone familiar with Grandma's Catering or the Hitchin' Post Restaurant. Never one to let dust settle, time at home was spent either gardening or canning, her family and many friends being the beneficiaries of "Meemy's Garden Store". They will long remember her as a caring, humble soul who was never one to draw attention to herself. Her life was lived simply, but, by all accounts, it was a life of excellence. A time of visitation will be held from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21st at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery.