Debra Jo Watts

Debra Jo Watts, 62, of Des Moines, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 30, 2017 at Mercy Hospital. Debra was born on May 5, 1954 in Des Moines to Evelyn (Herold) and Fredrick Stanley.

Debra graduated from Lincoln High School in 1971. She married Steven Watts on November 22, 1971 in Missouri and together they spent 45 years together. Together they had twin boys Ryan and Bryan on February 21, 1975 and a daughter, Amber on September 19, 1979. Deb enjoyed raising her kids on a farm in southern Iowa. They raised Quarter Horses and cattle.

Her passion in life was riding horses. She traveled all over the U.S. trail riding with her many friends and family. Deb was also a very talented artist and cake decorator. She found great joy in her family, always caring, nurturing and just everyday activities involved in being a “family”. Deb never knew a stranger, she loved everyone she met. She touched the lives of everyone she knew and even those she didn’t. She was known as “Queen” in the family trailer business that her family owned and that she had started. Deb became deeply involved in her church family at Living Waters Fellowship after coming to know Jesus Christ as her Savior early last year. She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish her loving memory are her children, Ryan (Christy) Watts, Bryan (Mellissa) Watts and Amber (Chris) Rardin; grandchildren, Jordan, Madisson and Jersey Watts and Peyton, Allyse and Riggin Rardin; the father of her children, Steve Watts; her in-laws, Lyle Watts and Helen White and their families; cousin, Vicky (Dave) Whip; and other loving family and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandma, Kitty; her parents; aunt and uncle Wilson; and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2017 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Pony Express Riders of America in memory of Deb Watts.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome,com

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