Verna J. Watts

Verna J Watts, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Mt. Morris on Sunday, July 20, 2025. She was born January 9, 1933, in Pine Rock Township, Ogle County, IL the daughter of William and Frances (Linde) Bolhous. Verna graduated from Oregon High School in 1950. She married Ralph Watts on July 18, 1954.

She began her career in banking as a teller at Ogle County National Bank immediately after high school, retiring as vice president in 1993 from the same establishment then known as Rock River Bank. Verna found great joy in spending time with her family. Verna was a fabulous cook. She especially enjoyed cooking family favorite dishes and was known for her fabulous potato salad. She enjoyed working in her yard, continuing to push mow well into her 80’s and running the snow blower. She enjoyed tending to her flowers, maintaining the bird bath for her feathered friends, and keeping them fed, especially the humming birds. Upon retirement, she volunteered at the Mt. Morris Moose Club and Oregon Healthcare Center. She volunteered at Emmanuel Lutheran Church to fix weekly meals when they started their Logos program.

She was predeceased by her parents, William and Frances Bolhous, husband, Ralph Watts, brothers Willis, Walter and Ralph Bolhous, sisters Marion Lambert and Sylvia Newcomer, granddaughter Laurie Watts Wagner and step daughter Judith Dudley.

Verna is survived by her children Jeff (Denise) Watts, and Vicky (Ray) Beard, Oregon, IL, step-children Roland (Linda) Watts, Roger Watts, Joyce (Larry) Davis all of Oregon, sister Bertha Kennay of Rice Lake, Wisconsin and brother Lawrence (Doris) Bolhous of Oregon, IL, her grandchildren from oldest to youngest, Paul Race, Lindy Watts, Michael Davis, Kelly Beeter, Lisa Madlora, Peter Race, Kristy Watts, Jason Beard, and Curtis Watts, several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to Pastor Andrew Kayes for his continued support and friendship, and to Mary Pendleton NP, Serenity Hospice and Home, for her compassionate care and support.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00PM, Sunday, July 27th, 2025 at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 South 7th Street, Oregon, Illinois with Rev. Andrew Kayes, pastor of Paynes Point Emmanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from noon to 2:00PM. A private burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Morris, IL. A memorial fund is established in Verna’s name for Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, IL and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Paynes Point, IL of which she was a member for her entire 92 years.

https://serenityhospiceandhome.org

https://www.emmanueloregon.com