Emma May Watson, 99, of rural Lockridge, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at her home.
May was born on September 19, 1926, in Henry County, the daughter of Archie W. and Pansey E. (Rudd) Haines. May was united in marriage to Albert John Douglas on March 3, 1945, in Iowa City. After his death she married William L. “Bill” Watson on February 1, 1972, in Lockridge. He preceded her in death on June 22, 2017.
May was known for her dancing and especially her calling of square dances. May was a hardworking woman, helping alongside her husbands on the farm and was always there to help anyone who needed some extra help. She was a great cook and enjoyed Bluegrass music. Throughout her life she was able to travel and enjoyed trips to Canada. May was a mother, grandmother and friend to many different people. May was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and was a member of the Lockridge Baptist Church.
Those thankful for sharing her life include her children, Richard (Mary) Douglas, Jacque (Randy) Riehm, Rhuie (Craig) Ryan, Sharon Krieger and Karen (Larry) Anderson, her beloved grandchildren, Amanda, Eric, Devon, Emma, Molly, Connor, Leslie, Megan Jason, Mickey, Samantha, Jim, and Lamont, along with several greatgrandchildren and great greatgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Pansey Haines, her husbands, Albert Douglas and William Watson, her brothers and sisters, Edward A Haines, Ernest W. Haines, Lola E. Douglas and Violetta Haines.
A Celebration of May’s life will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lockridge Baptist Church with Words of Comfort by Jeff Murphy. Burial will follow in the Lockridge Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Every Step Hospice, Lockridge Baptist Church, Lockridge Cemetery or the Lockridge Fire and Rescue in her memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of May Watson.