Rose Watson Obituary

Durango resident Rose Lorraine Watson died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, at her home. She was 91.

Mrs. Watson was born to Roger H. and Mollie A. Hillen on Dec. 28, 1922, in Erie. She was one of two children.

In 1945, she married Harold N. Watson in San Diego. The Watson family moved several times following Mr. Watson's career in the Forest Service.

She earned a bachelor's degree from Colorado State University and a master's degree in education from Western State College in Gunnison.

Mrs. Watson enjoyed a long and successful career as a middle and high school math and science teacher in Wyoming, Colorado, Georgia and New Mexico. She was honored with statewide recognition as Outstanding Teacher of the Year in two of those states.

After her retirement from teaching, she and Mr. Watson enjoyed competing in field trials with their Labrador retrievers, fly- and lake fishing, and ranching. She was particularly fond of caring for orphaned lambs as well as her flock of hens, her family said.

After Mr. Watson's death in 1993, she found new pleasure in going on cruises with friends from the Durango Widows' group, and playing bridge at the Durango/La Plata County Senior Center, which she continued to do into her 90th year. Her special pleasure was the company of her dog friends and the herd of abandoned cats she fed and cared for, her family said.

Mrs. Watson was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Harold N. Watson.

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Watson, of Ignacio; sons Richard K. Watson of Durango and Roger H. Watson of Evansville, Ind.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

At Mrs. Watson's request, cremation has occurred. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.