Betty Anne (Neff) Watson was born in her family home July 29, 1937 in Colchester.
Born and raised on the “Neff” family farm she graduated from Downsville Central School in 1954, then continued her education and attended Hartwick College where she graduated in 1958 with her bachelor’s degree in biology. On Dec. 22, 1956, she married the love of her life, Glenn “Luke” Watson and they made their lifelong home in Downsville where they raised their three greatest accomplishments - except maybe their grandchildren - their children Dennis, Alan and Linda. Betty worked as a bookkeeper for Luke’s many self-employment jobs - driving truck, logging and stone quarrying, at which she also worked diligently. In addition she worked in insurance offices in Downsville and Walton. The job she enjoyed the most was substitute teaching in local schools for many years before her retirement. For years she was the planning board secretary and an assessor for the town of Colchester. She was a member of the Colchester Community Church since 1949. She was also a member of the Pepacton Grange and the last surviving member of the Walton Grange.
Betty loved her community and remained active in American Legion Auxiliary Post #167 until her health didn’t allow active participation. After retirement she had more time to spend researching her ancestry, which she spent many hours doing. You would always see her walking downtown for the mail and a gallon of milk or working in the yard. She always lived a healthy, active lifestyle, not knowing how much this would benefit her later in life, living with cancer for over ten years.
Betty is survived by her children Dennis Watson (Beverly), Alan Watson (Connie) and Linda Pinner (Daniel); her grandchildren Crystal Watson (Noah Meiser), Amber Meola (Jeffrey), Carli Pinner (Dylan Murphy) and Jared Pinner (Kiersten Laux), along with step-grandchildren - all of whom she wished she could have spent more time; great-grandchildren Jayson, Julia and Joshua Meola; Liana Darbee, Maci and Jace Pinner along with step-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe. Funeral services will be at 1 in the funeral home; the Rev. Bridgette LeConey will officiate. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion Post #167 in Downsville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Colchester Community Church or American Legion Post #167, both in Downsville.
Committal will be at the Paige Cemetery in Downsville, at a later date.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave., Roscoe; 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com
