1936
Barbara
2017
Barbara Roush Watson
November 13, 1936 — November 29, 2017
Retired Judge Barbara Watson died peacefully in the evening of November 29, after putting up a fierce, 18-month fight with liver cancer. Barb died in Austin, Texas, surrounded by loving family and friends, in the quietly awe-inspiring care of Hospice Austin.
Barb's remarkable life was a mosaic of diverse relationships and experiences. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother-although she stoutly refused to answer to "Grandma."
She was a storied elected official: during her 20+ years as a municipal court judge, she dispensed even-handed justice tempered with love, mercy, and good humor. She was a dedicated public servant through her involvement with League of Women Voters; Rotary International; Coleman Professional Services; the United Church of Christ; and countless other voluntary associations.
Barb was a generous neighbor; a wise mentor; and a joyful participant in the life of her community. Together with her husband, Walter, Barb helped to shape the fabric of Kent, Ohio, for more than 50 years.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Dr. Walter Watson. She is survived by daughters Bee Moorhead of Austin Texas (Robert) and Brigid Watson of Boston, MA (Abe Fender); grandchildren Owen, Ethan and Oona Moorhead; sister Marilyn Young of Sidney, Ohio; nieces Kerri Watson Elrod and Elisa Young; and nephews Kevin Watson, Ed Young, David Young, and Erick Young; and sister-in-law Jackie Baker of North Canton, Ohio.
The family will hold an open house at Barb and Walter's home in Kent, Ohio, from 4PM-7PM on Tuesday, December 19, and a celebration of Barb's life will be held at the Kent United Church of Christ on Friday, January 12, at 11AM, followed by a reception in the church's Van Meter Hall. More information will be available for both events by calling the church office at (330) 673-9534.
Barb was generous with her time and talents, and also with financial support for institutions she believed in. Please consider honoring her memory with a donation to the Coleman Foundation, 5982 Rhodes Road, Kent, OH 44240 (colemanservices.org); Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin TX 78759 (hospiceaustin.org); or another institution you believe in.
Barb's remarkable life was a mosaic of diverse relationships and experiences. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother-although she stoutly refused to answer to "Grandma."
She was a storied elected official: during her 20+ years as a municipal court judge, she dispensed even-handed justice tempered with love, mercy, and good humor. She was a dedicated public servant through her involvement with League of Women Voters; Rotary International; Coleman Professional Services; the United Church of Christ; and countless other voluntary associations.
Barb was a generous neighbor; a wise mentor; and a joyful participant in the life of her community. Together with her husband, Walter, Barb helped to shape the fabric of Kent, Ohio, for more than 50 years.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Dr. Walter Watson. She is survived by daughters Bee Moorhead of Austin Texas (Robert) and Brigid Watson of Boston, MA (Abe Fender); grandchildren Owen, Ethan and Oona Moorhead; sister Marilyn Young of Sidney, Ohio; nieces Kerri Watson Elrod and Elisa Young; and nephews Kevin Watson, Ed Young, David Young, and Erick Young; and sister-in-law Jackie Baker of North Canton, Ohio.
The family will hold an open house at Barb and Walter's home in Kent, Ohio, from 4PM-7PM on Tuesday, December 19, and a celebration of Barb's life will be held at the Kent United Church of Christ on Friday, January 12, at 11AM, followed by a reception in the church's Van Meter Hall. More information will be available for both events by calling the church office at (330) 673-9534.
Barb was generous with her time and talents, and also with financial support for institutions she believed in. Please consider honoring her memory with a donation to the Coleman Foundation, 5982 Rhodes Road, Kent, OH 44240 (colemanservices.org); Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin TX 78759 (hospiceaustin.org); or another institution you believe in.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara Roush Watson, please visit our flower store.
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