Hilda Mae Watson

Hilda (Billie) Mae Watson, 87, of Topeka, KS, longtime Topeka resident and family matriarch, passed away peacefully at home on March 14th, 2013. She was surrounded by a great multitude of family members who lovingly cared for her during her illness the past several weeks.

Billie was born on the first day of apple picking season on September 1, 1925 in Heards, Virginia. She was the 2nd daughter of Willie and Hazel (Goodman) Kent and spent her childhood in Elkins, West Virginia. It was in Elkins that she met the love of her life Bobby L. Watson on a blind date. Billie joined Bobby in Topeka, KS, where they were married on March 16, 1946 and celebrated 28 wonderful years before Bobby passed away on June 24, 1974.

Mrs. Watson worked for the State Unemployment office for 18 years. She retired on October 1, 1993. She faithfully attended Fairlawn Heights Wesleyan Church, where she cared for countless babies in the church nursery for 35 years. She served as a long-time volunteer at Stormont Vail hospital. She enjoyed league bowling for many years.

Above all else, Billie was dedicated to her family. Her passion was attending her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's school programs, sporting games, birthday parties, song & dance recitals and other various activities. She will be greatly missed by all for her devotion to family, loving kindness, generous spirit and delicious hamburgers. "Billie Burgers" for Sunday lunch was a 40 plus year tradition of family gathering at her home.

"Momma" Watson is survived by her children: Barbara (Larry) Lady, Marcia (Gary) Reynolds, Roger (Susan) Watson all of Topeka, KS and Gary (Malissa) Watson of Savannah, GA.

"Grandma" Watson is survived by her grandchildren: Richard (Julie) Lady, Laura (Doug) Kellogg, Angela (Troy) Schuh, Denise (Michael) Province, Heather (Todd) Howard, Ryan (Paula) Reynolds, Tannus (Morgan) Juencke, Joshua (Kristina) Watson and Erika (John) Moore. Great grandchildren: Grace & Mitchell Lady, Elisha & Bethany Kellogg, Brooke, Taylor & Lauren Province, Victoria & Joseph Reynolds, Cooper, Luke & Logun Moore, Beatrix Howard, Cameron & Tatum Juencke, Skyler & Kyson Watson and Zachary & Sydney Schuh.

She was also blessed with step-grandchildren, Pam (Carlos) Vigil, Christine Martinez, Tracy (Lance) Wilson, Rick (Jennifer) Martinez, Jennifer (Shad) Cunningham-Ryan and Libby (AJ) Garavuso. Step-great grandchildren: Arrin, Michelle & Emma Juencke, David, Alex, Michael & Gabby Martinez, Chelsie, Aubrey & Luke Wilson, Cody, Titus, Calvin & Alyssa Martinez and Lily Ryan.

"Billie" is also survived by brothers, Wilson Kent & Nelson Kent and sisters, Arlis Skinner & Hazel Swietkoski, all of Baltimore, MD.

Besides her husband & parents, she is also preceded in death by sister, Cora Skinner & an infant sister, Mary Helen Kent.

A funeral ceremony will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Fairlawn Heights Wesleyan Church, 5400 S.W. Huntoon, Topeka, KS 66604. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Billie will lie in state after 3 p.m., Monday at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, KS 66604, Fairlawn Heights Wesleyan Church, and Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

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