Anne Watts

Anne Watts, aged 82 of Goodyear, Arizona passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Abrazo West Hospital. Anne was born October 9, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri, and she grew up living in both the towns of Carthage and St. Joseph in Missouri. She was a graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Anne graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia with both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education. During her undergraduate years at Mizzou, Anne was a proud sorority member of the Rho Alpha Chapter of Chi Omega. She later earned her Educational Leadership Certification from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Anne spent more than 30 years as a teacher and administrator in Virginia public schools. After retiring to Arizona in 2002, Anne remained active in education by demonstrating her unwavering support for public schools as a popular substitute teacher and volunteer.

Anne was friendly and outgoing with everyone, and she had a passion for entertaining and hosting dinner parties in her home in Pebble Creek. She loved sitting outside in the evenings to watch the sunset with a glass of wine while socializing with friends and family. Even after moving to Arizona, Anne never overcame her homesickness for Virginia, and she regularly talked about the beauty of Virginia, Chesapeake Bay fried oysters, and the perfect Northern Neck summer tomato. Anne always enjoyed beautiful clothes, jewelry, and having the perfect outfit for every occasion. Additionally, Anne demonstrated a life-long dedication to her faith as she always proudly described herself as a “cradle to the grave” Episcopalian. Anne loved her family most of all, and she would passionately share the accomplishments of all of her grandchildren with anyone who would listen.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Bobbie M. Watts (US Army, Retired); her parents, Dr. Marion Colvert Alson & Eloise Alson; brother, William Mark Alson; and sister, Janie Ellen Conner. She is survived by her daughter, Paige Anne Engelson; brother, Robert Charles Alson; best friend, Fred Agosterola; step-children, Daphne Watts Misenheimer (Chuck), Gwen Watts Shank, and Christopher Watts (Susan). Anne leaves behind 3 grandchildren (Amy, Drew, & Collin), 2 great-grandchildren, and 8 step-grandchildren. Anne will be buried with her parents and brother near the family home in Kilmarnock, Virginia in the Spring of 2025.