Mary Joann Watson, 84, of rural Montezuma was called home to our Lord and Savior Thursday afternoon, October 20, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 am Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. A reception/visitation will follow the service in the Community Hope Church Event Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Crazy Cut Ups Quilters Ministry. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Jo was born January 24, 1938, to Floyd and Helen (McKibbin) Hasley in Montezuma, Iowa. She graduated from Searsboro High in 1955.  Mary Jo was united in marriage to Raymond Watson on September 2, 1955. Mary Jo and Raymond farmed around the Searsboro and Montezuma area. They were blessed with four children, Ann, Karol, Brian, and Mark.

Mary Jo was an avid gardener. She became a Master Gardener and was known to her family for her beautiful flowers and vegetables. She will be remembered for her gift of storytelling. She wrote The Bunker Hill News for many area newspapers. She enjoyed riding Harley Davidsons and traveling the country with Raymond and friends. Mary Jo owned and operated Lookin Good Salon for many years. She enjoyed talking with all of her customers. She was always active in church, most recently attending Community Hope in Montezuma.

Mary Jo is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Raymond, and her four children and their spouses, Ann Marie Watson, Karol Watson, Brian and Dawn Watson, Mark and Vonna Watson; her 13 grandchildren, Rachel Perez, Rebekah (Ben) Fogt, Derek Ebert, Andy Rockwell, Josh (Laura) Rockwell, David (Taylor) Rockwell, Brianne Watson, Paige Watson, Camden (Brittany) Watson, Ryan Watson, Jacob (Sam) Watson, Abigail (Lance) Johnston and Samantha Watson as well as 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Barb (Gene) Long and Carolyn Jontz, brother Wayne (Ruth) Hasley, sisters-in-law, Mary Lu Watson, Rilla (Ronnie) Baker, Martha (Don) Vos and LuAnne (Mike) Dean; brother -in-law, Bill (Diane) Watson and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Helen Hasley; a brother, Ray (LeAnn) Hasley; a sister in infancy, Eleanor; parents-in-law, Lewis and Lucile Watson and brothers-in-law, Dave Jontz, Freddy Watson and Robert Watson in infancy.

Mary Jo will always be remembered for her fiery spirit and her love of laughter.