Mary 'Kitty' Watson

Mary Kathryn ‶Kitty″, ‶Kee Kee″ Watson (nee Smith) , 101 of Vermilion, died Monday, April 6, 2020, at Mill Manor Care Center in Vermilion after a short illness.​​ At 101 she lived a full life of many historical events, she was born during the Spanish Flu pandemic, lived​ through prohibition, The Great Depression, World War ll, Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, Cuban​Missile Crisis, Civil Rights Movement, 9/11 and many others along with COVID-19 pandemic.​ â€‹ She was the epitome of strength and longevity, the Matriarch of a family that loved her so very much. She was​ stubborn, feisty but so loving and sweet, she would do anything to help her family and friends. ​​ She was born January 15, 1919 in Kanes Creek, Preston County, West Virginia, the second daughter born to​ Charles R. and Gertrude Smith. She was one of six children and the last remaining survivor. She married the​ love of her life, Jim Watson, on November 29, 1936, together they had two children. Mary had been a Vermilion​ resident for the past 30 years moving from Lorain in 1990 and Manoun, West Virginia in 1956.​ Mary formerly worked at Worthington Golf in Elyria and 25 years working for the Board of Elections. ​​​ She enjoyed spending time gardening, sewing, playing cards, baking, cooking, getting her hair done at the​ beauty shop, watching and feeding birds, cheering for the Cleveland Indians, traveling back to visit family in​ West Virginia and especially spending time with her family. ​​ She is survived by her son, James E. (Patricia) Watson of Vermilion, grandchildren: John (Danielle) Gulas Jr.,​ Scott (Renee) Gulas Sr., James Watson, Candace (Dave) Horner (Gulas), Mark (Heidi) Watson, and Rebecca​Watson; and 15 great grandchildren: Scott Gulas, Jr., Michael Gulas, Lauren Gulas, Jacob Mulica, Kevin​ Watson, Paige Watson, Ryan Watson, Bresais Watson, Gage Watson, Kainan Watson, Arianna Watson,​ Annaliese Watson, Emma Horner, Gavin Gulas, and Garrett Gulas​. She was preceded in death by her husband; James T. Watson in 1990; daughter, Gloria I. Gulas in 2010;​ great-granddaughters, Prudence Annaliese Watson (2011) and Evelyn Iris Horner (2012).​ â€‹â€‹ A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 2 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street,​ Vermilion, Ohio.  â€‹â€‹â€‹ The family suggests memorial contributions to the Disabled Veterans Foundation, 4601 Forbes Blvd., Suite​ #130, Lunham, MD 20706. ​​​ Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com