Mrs. Ruthalice Watson, 92, of Lebanon and formerly from Marion, IN, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at her residence.
Ruthalice was born September 3, 1932, in Marion, IN, a daughter of the late Alfred R. and Mabel E. (Carson) Hood. She was married to James Madison Watson and he preceded her in death January 29, 2018.
Ruthalice was a homemaker until the time that her children were in middle school, when she became a teaching assistant for a special education class. She then managed a fabric store and would use her talents as a seamstress to teach sewing lessons. Finally, Ruthalice worked for Midwest Auto Parts until her retirement.
After retirement, Ruthalice and her husband, along with their friends, purchased a property in the woods in Wabash County and built a home. This place was referred to as WATOMDA and was truly Ruthalice’s happy place.
Ruthalice was a naturalist and found that she was most at peace in the woods. She also loved bird watching. She established a wanderlust for nature in each of her children, as they travelled all over the country as a family, experiencing God’s glory.
Ruthalice was an artist, enjoying painting, writing poems and journals, and playing the piano. She also loved dancing with her husband to big band music and was a part of a dance club that would hold a monthly dance. Ruthalice was a talented seamstress and had lovingly sewed wedding and prom dresses for her grandchildren. She enjoyed volunteering at Witham Memorial Hospital and participating at Boone County Senior Services, Inc., especially in the Senior Olympics.
Ruthalice was a former member of the First Christian Church in Marion, along with the Walk by Faith Community Church in Roann. She currently served at Trailview Church, formerly Lebanon Bible Baptist. Ruthalice was a faithful member of each church she served and was always involved in the church activities. She especially loved teaching the young kids in Sunday School and helping with church camps.
Survivors include her children, Charles (Linda) Watson of Paoli, IN, Clayton (Mary Lou) Watson of Wabash, IN, and Cynthia Watson of Lebanon; brother, Jack (Wanda) Hood; sister, Jane Gottwald; grandchildren, Grace (Thomas) Marshall, Isaac (Carrie) Watson, and Laura Watson-Lindley (Patrick); and great-grandchildren, Eli Watson, Emilia Marshall, Orion Watson, Charlotte Watson, and Christopher Glenn Lindley.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruthalice was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Sharon Watson and brother-in-law, Nik Gottwald.
Family and friends will gather Saturday, February 8, 2025 for visitation from 12 p.m. until the funeral service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Kasey Clark officiating in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Ruthalice will be laid to rest at Browns Wonder Cemetery in Lebanon.
You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Boone County, 10650 Andrade Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077 or to Trailview Church, 1530 Riley Road, Lebanon, IN 46052.
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