Obituary of Ann Watson

Ann Edith (Gallaher) Watson of Union, WA died at home in hospice care on October 19, 2024. Ann was born September 13, 1941 in Chewelah, WA to Jean and Floyd Gallaher and grew up in Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt High School. She attended the University of Washington where she met Jim Watson, whom she married in 1961 in Idaho Falls, ID. Over their 63 years of marriage, Ann and Jim lived in Idaho Falls; Bellingham and Ferndale, WA; Beaumont, The Woodlands, and Houston, TX; San Rafael, CA; Anchorage, AK; and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia before returning to settle in Union, WA in the early 90’s. She supported her love of travel by working for many years as a travel agent and visited destinations around the world from Europe to Africa to Asia along with many cruises and road trips in the U.S. and abroad. Ann will be remembered for her loving nature, faith, easy laugh, quiet thoughtfulness, and deceptively competitive card playing. Among her interests and qualities, Ann was a prolific quilter, winer, avid reader, ElderHostel/Road Scholar learner, NIH research volunteer, chef, host, hiker and picnicker, recreational shopper, loving grandmother, and enjoyer of bubbles, chocolate and baked goods. She was also a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton and several bible study groups. Missing Ann dearly will be her husband Jim Watson, their daughter Jennifer Watson and her spouse Brigid Monaghan, son Jeffry Watson and his partner AJ Metz, grandchildren Elias Watson, River Watson, and Rainy Watson, sister Peggy Gallaher and her spouse Nena Davis, along with many other dear friends and family. The family is holding a private memorial gathering at home. In lieu of flowers, Ann requested donations to Puget Sound Hospice, 111 Tumwater Blvd SE, Suite A302, Tumwater, WA 98501.