Ruth Ann Watts

Ruth Ann Watts, 74, of rural Robinson, IL, passed away at 7:08 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2019 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. She was born October 15, 1944 on her family’s farm in Brandenburg, KY, the 5th child of 13 born to Robert Morris & Mildred (Mattingly) Morris. Being raised on the farm taught her the values of hard work at an early age, and these would serve her well throughout her life. She graduated from Meade County High School in 1963 and would eventually further her education, graduating from the Institute of Children’s Literature in Redding, CT in 1973. Ruth Ann was a natural caretaker, and this led her to working many years in the health care field. After retirement, she worked part-time at Mitchell’s Greenhouse, where her creativity and her love of flowers made her an excellent floral designer. Never one to let dust settle, time at home often found her mowing her yard or working in her garden. She also loved to journal and write, having penned a number of children’s stories through the years. Ruth Ann was a voracious reader, to the point that she read over a thousand books over the last 5 years! A follower of Christ and a member of the First Christian Church in Bridgeport, IL, she was once quoted as saying, “I hope Heaven has a good library.” Today, we have assurance that she knows for sure. Anyone who knew her could attest to the fact that Ruth Ann loved her family. She was a loyal and caring wife to John, her husband of 51 years. As a mother, she was an advocate and fierce protector who, as a living example, showed her children how to work hard and make their time on earth count. They, in return, provided her with strength and courage, especially in her final days. She found great pride and joy in her granddaughters, who were each the apple of her eye. Simply stated, nothing meant more to Ruth Ann than spending time with those she loved. She married John Watts on February 5, 1968 and he survives. She is also survived by her three daughters & sons-in-law, Beth & John Rzeszut (Carol Stream, IL), Emily & Raj Jayara (Port Barrington, IL), and Ashley & Kyle Kent (Colorado Springs, CO); by her six granddaughters, Maddie Rzeszut, Ellie Rzeszut, Amelia Jayara, Annabel Jayara, Alice Jayara, and Adele Jayara; by her three brothers & sisters-in-law, Robert Morris (Brandenburg, KY), Al & Trish Morris (Myrtle Beach, SC), and David Morris & Ellie Crawford (Camden, TN); by her seven sisters & brothers-in-law, Marsha & George Baker (Robinson, IL), Doris Tucker (Henderson, KY), Margie & Dave Hagan (San Antonio, TX), Martha & Kenny Wrone (Keyesport, IL), Patty Robinson (Elizabethtown, KY), Sandy Drury (Mount Washington, KY), and Debbie Fox (Highland, CA); by her sister-niece, Becky & Sam Buck (Owensboro, KY); as well as many nieces, nephews, good friends, and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents; by her daughter, Kelly Lorraine Watts in infancy; by her brothers, Guy Carter and Lee Morris; and by her sister, Jean Thompson. The family will receive friends from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 18th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and will be held at 11:00 a.m. with her nephew, Brian Baker officiating. Burial will be held in the Lawrenceville Cemetery, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating.