Doris Beth Watson

October 18, 1935 – November 30, 2020

Beth Watson, loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at Vista Springs Timber Ridge of East Lansing on Monday, November 30, 2020. Beth was born October 18, 1935, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Fred and Grace Ewald. Beth attended high school in Hinsdale, Illinois where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, John Watson. After graduating from Hinsdale High in 1953, Beth attended nursing school. She and John were married on September 3, 1955. Beth graduated from Galesburg Cottage Hospital School of Nursing in Galesburg, Illinois in 1956. Beth and John were married for 64 years before John passed away in 2019. Together, they raised four sons in Lansing, Michigan. Beth was a registered nurse at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing where her dedication and caring for others earned her much respect and gratitude. She retired in 2000 after 42 years of helping others.

Beth loved many things in life, but what brought her the most joy and happiness were; her family, her faith and her friends. Summer vacations with family, and visiting family, were always memorable. Highlights included climbing and hiking the dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes, swimming in Lake Michigan at the “property”, looking for wildflowers in national parks and time spent in California. She loved seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended as many of their events as possible. Beth always maintained a positive and caring outlook in life by putting her trust in the Lord. She was a long time member of South Church in Lansing, Michigan and raised her family to have faith. Beth was an amazing cook who enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. Anyone that knew Beth can probably name a favorite dessert of hers. She would make them all at the holidays to share with everyone. Beth was loved by family and friends alike. She will be deeply missed by all.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband John and her parents, Fred and Grace Ewald. She is survived by; sister, Carol Ewald of Hemet, CA; sons; Jeffrey (Patricia) Watson of Mason, MI; Michael (Nancy) Watson of Clinton Township, MI; Steven (Lori) Watson of Grand Ledge, MI and Forrest (Cheryl) Watson of Temecula, CA; grandchildren - Andrea (Jordan) Caplan, Alex (Taylor) Watson; Rachelle (Jason) Manasseri, Brendan and Garrett Watson; Rachel Schweer; Christian, Spencer, Bethany, Autumn and Noah Watson; and great grandchildren - Ayla & Amelia Caplan, Carter & Kennedy Watson; Kadince, Kamrin and Kloie Schweer. She is also survived by her best friends Robert and Barbara Soos of Coldwater, MI, and their family.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating Beth’s life will be held at a later date. The family thanks the staff of Vista Springs Timber Ridge Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice Care of Mason for the excellent care and support they provided. For those wishing to make a donation in Beth’s memory; the family suggests directing it to South Church in Lansing, Vista Springs Timber Ridge in East Lansing or Heartland Hospice Care of Mason.