Jun. 20, 1942 - Jul. 25, 2010

Jane Louise (Showalter) Watts

Jane Louise (Showalter) Watts was born in Morrow County Ohio, on June 20, 1942, the daughter of the late Jack and Grace (Mosher) Showalter. Jane graduated from Cardington High School in the Class of 1960. Later, she received her bachelor’s degree from Asbury College in Wilmore Kentucky. She died Sunday, July 25, 2010 in Marion Ohio.
On July 27, 1973, Jane married George Watts, in Morral, Ohio, and he survives in Morral.
In addition to her husband, she will be missed by her daughter Amanda Jean Watts (W. Kip Rettig); her grandchildren Calvin Boyer, Briar Watts-Rettig, Christopher Rettig, and Conner Rettig; her sister Jean (Larry) Smith; her brother Carl Showalter; 9 nieces and nephews; and her many pets, including her special dog “Baby Girl.”
Jane was a teacher for Ridgedale schools for thirty years, before she took on a second career serving for twelve years as the Marion County Dog Warden. She served on the Ridgedale School Board, and continued to serve the community as the Mayor of Morral since 2007. She was an avid supporter of youth programs, including 4-H. Her voice and her laugh echoed through barns and arenas, as she served as announcer for most horse shows in Marion County.
Jane was one-of-a-kind and any attempt to describe her would be inadequate. She took on the tough jobs and did them well. She took in those who were struggling – whether a horse, a dog, a kid, or a village – and saw potential where few others even bothered to look. She had a heart as big as the universe, and she shared everything that she had. She will be remembered and she will be missed. Her legacy of generosity and compassion will live on in the work of her family, her friends, her students, and the many individuals who knew her.
It has been said that “when I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.” Jane did just that.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 31st at 1 PM at Ridgedale High School. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the “We Remember Al Fund” (c/o The Marion Community Foundation), the “Jane Watts Memorial Fund” (c/o The Marion Community Foundation), or to the family (c/o Boyd Born Funeral Home).

[Print Obituary]

Condolences [PDF]

Cathyann Newell - Aug. 3, 2010

I felt so fortunate to have known Jane--she was such a strong, loving, and special woman--which continues to shine through the women in her family. Amanda, you have shown such strength and grace in this difficult time----and learned it well from your mom. Briar shows this as well with her "fight" to get stronger and come home. I will miss Jane and seeing her drive by and wave--- always with a smile!!! She has blessed and touched soo many peoples lives--- we will all remember her ----and smile!!! Anything you may need --please feel free to ask Joe or I . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Kinney - Aug. 1, 2010

I just wanted to tell you again how wonderfully you have handled yourself in the last week. Your mom and dad mean a lot to me...and I know your mom would be so proud of you. There are a multitude of people who have watched you this week and are amazed at your composure and poise. You make your parents proud. PLEASE contact me if there is anything I can do to help you now or in the days and weeks ahead. I'm available.
Gene and Sharon Moore - Jul. 29, 2010

To George and family - we are certainly from your past. Gene taught at Morral with Jane, and she was our daughter, Kim's kindergarten teacher. I believe she came to Morral right out of college. We used to run into her once in awhile at ballgames when Buckeye Central, where Gene taught and coached, played Ridgedale. We are so sorry and our thoughts and prayers are with you - certainly a very friendly person and she always asked about Kim when she saw us - it has been years, tho!! Sharon Moore
Brenda and Sherman O'Bryan and Family - Jul. 29, 2010

Our deepest sympathies goes to your family. She was a great lady and her heart will be missed all around. You will probably never find a woman with such a heart of gold.
Betty McMurrin & Family - Jul. 28, 2010

Phoenix, AZ. Our love & prayers are with the Watts/Showalter families during this extremely difficult time of loss. A very tragic accident, but Jane will be remembered for so many wonderful things she has done for so many. The lives she touched, as an educator, will go on for generations. The community will miss her many contributions.
To Mandy and her family, we send deep heart felt words of sympathy. I will include the memorial poem I wrote for your Aunt Ruby (my mother).

See a rainbow after the rain
Hear a songbird sing its refrain
Feel a peace and calm once more
I am alive on another shore.

Though the distance may seem far
Look at night to a heavenly star
I am there brightly beaming
With my love constantly streaming

Feel my presence ever near you
Like a whisper from the winds
Fill your heart with sunny laughter
Live for me, my dear ones--my friends.

With Love,
Your cousin, Betty