Mary "Betty" Watkins

Friday we said goodbye to the heart of our family.

She left this world with elegance and grace—beautifully, softly, and surrounded by the people she loved. Classical music filled the room, and in those final hours, she gave us one last gift: a lesson in love, family, and what it means to live a full life.

While there aren’t words deep enough to express the loss we feel, we are profoundly grateful to have had her light in our lives. Grateful for a woman who led with kindness and compassion, who made everyone feel welcome, and who lived with elegance, wit, and warmth.

She was a woman far ahead of her time—educated, sophisticated, and accepting, yet grounded, approachable, and deeply human.

Though she never spoke about it, her life read like the pages of a novel. It began in an orphanage in New York City, and at the age of three, she was adopted into a life of opportunity and culture. As a young girl, she loved animals and rode English-style.

As an adult, she raised four beautiful children and made her home in West Palm Beach and La Jolla—always most at peace when she was near the ocean.

Ever independent, she pursued a career in psychiatric nursing at a time when it was uncommon for women to have careers outside the home. After moving to Idaho in the 1970s to be closer to her grandchildren, she became the head psychiatric nurse at the VA Hospital, where she was affectionately known as “Nurse Betty.” She brought strength, empathy, and quiet authority to a role that touched countless lives.

In her final years, she was simply “Grandma”—a gentle soul who listened more than she spoke, who had a radiant smile that lit up every room, and a fashion sense that never wavered—not even on her final day.

Grandma—you were the light of our lives. You will be so deeply missed, but we know you’re dancing in eternity amongst the stars. Until we meet again, we’ll carry your love with us—always.

Betty was welcomed into eternity by her grandson Adam, whom she missed dearly.

She remains in the hearts of her children Mary Jane, Linda, John, and Sylvia—and their spouses David, Esther, and Bob; her grandchildren Joshua, Jake, Julie, Zack, Jessica, Jess, Brittney, Bridgette, and Tiffany; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who loved her deeply.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Idaho Humane Society or an animal cause of your choice—honoring Betty’s lifelong love of animals.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.