Obituary

Rita wilson watson, age 92, passed away peacefully after a short illness at camc- general hospital in charleston, wv on november 13, 2018 with her family at her side.

Born and raised in wellsburg, wv to nellie and henry wilson, she learned early in life the core values of family, service and responsibility, as her father died when she was a young child, and she helped with the younger children, the home, and working in the family store.

Rita moved to charleston, wv to accept a job at the wv state capitol at age 19, and later met her future husband, william franklin watson. They were married in 1951. After several years at home with her three children, rita returned to working and began her employment with the wv house of delegates judiciary committee in 1966. She was promoted to position of executive assistant of the house judiciary committee, with her total time there lasting 45 years. In 2007, she was honored by the wv house of delegates by house resolution 42 noting her ” outstanding career and unfaltering service to the house of delegates and to the state of wv” and bestowed the title of “executive assistant emeritus of the judiciary committee”. After a break while caring for her husband, bill, in his declining health, she returned to work for the wv house of delegates once again, this time in the house clerk’s office as assistant to the clerk from 2008-2014. In total, rita worked over wv 50 legislative sessions.

Also devoted to her faith, family, and community, she was an active member of sacred heart co- cathedral in charleston and earlier attended blessed sacrament in south charleston and st. John’s in wellsburg, wv. She hosted numerous gatherings in her home for family and friends and was active in the community. She served as a girl scout leader, volunteered with the united way, meals on wheels, and was a member of the university of charleston women builders, midland garden club, and charleston women’s club. She was an avid gardener and reader, loved traveling with her husband bill, and especially loved visiting and spending time with family and friends.

Rita was predeceased by her parents, her husband, william franklin watson, and siblings ursula durbin, mary leslie, jo-anne east, henry wilson, and john wilson. She was also predeceased by one great-great granddaughter, jemma simpson

she is survived by her three children: edwin watson ( debby) of winfield, wv, barbara walker ( hank) of charleston, wv, and patricia watson of south charleston, wv. Also surviving are grandchildren, david humphrey, kimberly spelce, annie walker, and evan walker; and five great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Mass of christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.M. Saturday, november 17, 2018 at sacred heart co-cathedral with father binu emmanuel officiating.   burial will follow in sunset memorial park, south charleston, wv.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.M. Until time of the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, to honor rita’s memory, the family suggests donations to meals on wheels, kanawha valley senior services, or the community organization of your choice.

You may send condolences to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com

barlow-bonsall funeral home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.