Doretta Jean Watson, 88, of Deepwater, Mo. (formerly of the rural Mediapolis, Iowa area) passed away Dec. 11, 2022, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.
Doretta was born Aug. 5, 1934, in Arlington, Neb. She was the firstborn child of Frank and Ethel Peterson.
Doretta was a graduate of Fremont High School, Fremont, Neb., and Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Neb., where she majored in early childhood education.
On June 15, 1957, Doretta married Robert Russell Watson in Fremont. They relocated to Burlington, Iowa when Bob found employment at J.I. Case. She worked for the Social Security Administration in Burlington before beginning her career as a kindergarten teacher for the Mediapolis Community School District. She was an amazing teacher, enriching her students’ lives with excellent guidance and special activities.
Doretta and Bob lived in the Kingston area for many years where they provided a wonderful upbringing and created many happy memories for their three children. In the mid-1970’s they built their dream home in rural Mediapolis, doing much of the finishing work themselves.
At age 58, Doretta decided to continue her education. After receiving a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Iowa, she worked as the media specialist/T.A.G. instructor for West Burlington Middle School.
Doretta continued her career after the sudden death of Bob in 1993. She retired from the education system in 1996.
In Doretta’s retirement, she enjoyed working around her home and spending lots of time with her adored grandchildren. After a lifelong passion for reading and writing, she authored a couple of children’s stories that appeared in print. “Christopher Robin, Who Are You” was published in an issue of Highlights magazine. “The Placing Agent” appeared in Cobblestone magazine, honoring placing agents who supervised orphan train riders on their journeys to new homes. Doretta’s “Daddy” came to Nebraska on an orphan train.
Doretta liked to drive and travel. She enjoyed several trips with her dear friend Kate. Together they went on an Alaskan cruise, drove to Florida, and spent time volunteering at a Navajo school in Arizona.
Doretta was a member of the Golden Hour Study Club of Mediapolis, where she enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and neighbors. She also volunteered for the Starr’s Cave Nature Center summer day camps while her grandchildren attended.
Wanting to downsize and spend more time with family, Doretta moved to Deepwater in 2011. Due to health issues, she and her beloved cat Tigger recently moved back to Burlington to live with her daughter Amy.
Doretta was a member of the Unitarian Fellowship in Burlington. Although she wasn’t able to attend in recent years, she still considered the fellowship her spiritual home.
Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her children: Amy Oetken, Burlington; Dan Watson (Carolyn), Clinton, Mo.; and Heidi Crabtree, Deepwater. Grandchildren: Brandon Oetken (Megan) and Aaron Oetken (Carol), both of Mediapolis; and Wesley Watson, Cottonwood, Ariz. Great-grandchildren: Grayson and Boyd Oetken. Sister Frances Prendergast of Peculiar, Mo.and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, and sister Alice Boettcher of Fremont.
Memorial donations will be made to Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House and the Clinton, Mo. animal shelter.
There will be no visitation. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.