Elizabeth "Betty" Watson

Age 83 of Diamond, Illinois, died Friday, January 2, 2026 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, Illinois.

Born March 24, 1942 in Morris, Illinois, Betty was a daughter of John and Louise (Jacklich) Doyle. She was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School. On December 26, 1959, Betty married Dennis Watson, Sr. at Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City.

Betty worked as a school bus driver for Coal City schools for several years until gaining employment with Sargent & Lundy Design during construction of the Braidwood Nuclear Generation Station. Following her employment there, Betty worked for a time at Walmart before completing her studies at the College of DuPage to become an X-Ray Technician. She worked for Dreyer Medical Clinic in Aurora for 18 years before her well-earned retirement.

Betty was a devoted member of Assumption Catholic Church where she was a member of the Marthas. She was actively involved with scouting, both with the Girl Scouts as a leader for 25 years and as a Boy Scout den leader for 3 years. Betty was very fond of the library and the programs they provided such as the Sewing Club and Exercise Club. She particularly enjoyed crafting by sewing, quilting, and being a member of the Valimont Rug Hooking Club for over 50 years. Betty liked playing Mahjong and card games, especially Pinochle. Betty loved to travel and would often join bus trips sponsored by the library, Mazon State Bank, the Godley Park District, or the B&W Travel Club.

More than anything, she was happiest when she was at her home with her family. Betty worked hard to have meticulous flower gardens and make sure her home was always tastefully decorated and welcoming to anyone. She was a proud mother and was so happy to see her family grow with the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren who were precious to her.

Survivors include her three sons: Dennis (Laura) Watson, Jr. of Coal City, David Watson of Abbotsford, Wisconsin, and Dan (Augie) Watson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; six grandchildren: Nicholas (Stephanie) Watson of Algonquin, Illinois, Jason Watson of Vienna, Illinois, Tiffany (Kyle) Oakes of Goose Lake, Illinois, Holly (Cole) Phillips of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, Craig Watson (McKenzie Schroeder) of Osseo, Wisconsin, and Samantha (fiancé: Nick Skentzos) Watson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; nine great grandchildren: Doyle, Ryland, Brynn, and Kinley Watson, Emma, Brooke, and Brian Phillips, and Irene and Helen Oakes; two sisters: Mary Ann (the late Preston) Ruether of St. Joseph, Missouri and Kathleen (Wade) Ritz of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Cheryl (the late James) Berta of Dwight, Illinois, Ronald (Rita) Watson of New Buffalo, Michigan, and Lana (the late John, Jr.) Pogliano of Walnut, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and husband; and her dear friend, Annette Schock.

Per Betty's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street, Coal City at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Joshua Miller and assisted by Deacon William Dunn.

A private inurnment will follow at a later date in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Betty will be laid to rest along with her husband.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Betty's memory to the Coal City Food Pantry or to Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Betty’s memorial page.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements are being made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)