Betty J. (Lane) Watson

Betty J. (Lane) Watson, 85, a lifelong Battle Creek resident died at Good Samaritan Hospice Residence on Sunday, August 4, 2013.

She was born November 28, 1927 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Stewart B. and Mary (Devine) Lane. She was a 1946 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Betty J. Lane married Clair L. Watson, Jr. on November 30, 1951 in Battle Creek. They were the third generation to run the family business that began in Battle Creek in 1918. Clair and Betty owned and operated Watson's Hearing Aid Service and Watson Jewelry. Betty closed the business in 2001.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Clair on November 24, 2000, by her daughter, Becky K. Green on April 5, 1998 and by her grandson, John E. Kotis on July 3, 2006. Surviving are her children, Cheri (Thomas) Ambroso of Battle Creek and Robert C. Watson Sr. of Battle Creek; her stepchildren, Linda (Fredrick) Aalto of Bloomington, IN, Ricky (Jacqueline) Watson of Grand Rapids, MI, Kerry (Carol) Watson of Neenah, WI,; grandchildren, Katie (Jonathan) Behrendt, Chelsea and Cristi Ambroso, Diana (Michael) Harber, Mark Watson, Robert (Tammy) Watson, Jr., Kimberly (Ali) Rahimi; seven great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 14 step great-grandchildren and one step great great-grandchild.

Betty enjoyed golfing with Clair at Riverside Country Club, where they were members for many years. She was also an avid bowler. Decorating the home for holidays, and getting the family together for dinners, was something Betty took great pride in. Betty was always heavily involved with the family, whether that be attending a sporting event, or decorating one of her legendary birthday cakes. At age 80, Betty received her first fishing license. She enjoyed using her license to fish and relish in the outdoors.

Friends will be received 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Louis E. Halsey at the funeral home 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 9, 2013. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice Care Residence, Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center or the American Red Cross. In lieu of monetary contributions, please consider giving blood to the American Red Cross in memory of Betty. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.