Joan Lee Gates Watts, was born in Stockett, Montana on January 8,1932 and passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 30, 2019. Joan was an active athlete at Stockett High School where she played basketball and was a cheerleader. She met her future husband, 'Sparky', when he was a young Air Force Officer in Great Falls, Montana. They were married on January 20, 1956. Their new life took them and their young family all over the USA including Montana, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, California and North Dakota. She was a brave and strong military wife and mother. After Sparky retired from the military, the family settled in New Richmond where they lived over 40 years.

Joan was a devoted wife and mother. She loved getting dressed up in her gowns and long white gloves and going to dinner at the Officers Club. Joan was always in the stands rooting for her kids and supported the schools no matter where she lived! Joan was an avid bowler and golfed on the Ladies League in Crawfordsville. She was a long time member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Crawfordsville and active in the community too. Joan and Sparky enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family, especially the grandchildren.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Robert 'Sparky' Watts and her parents. She is survived by children: Tom (Terry) Watts of Sun City, AZ, John (Mary) Watts of Golden, CO, Mona Lee (Brian Nelson) Watts of Littleton, CO, Tim (Lisa) Watts of Vincennes, IN.  Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation hours are 3:00-6:00 PM Sunday, November 3, 2019 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate.  Rite of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, November 4, 2019 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate with Father Chris Shocklee officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Twin Cities Autism Foundation, PO Box 194, Champlin, MN 55316 or to St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Crawfordsville, IN.  To sign the guest book or share a memory, visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com