Belvidere, IL

Edith J. Watts of Belvidere died peacefully at her home on Saturday, October 7, 2017, surrounded by members of her loving family.  She was born in Manchester Township, Illinois, on February 15, 1925, to James and Lillian (Burkman) Watts.  She graduated from Belvidere High School and Michigan State University, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.  Edith joined Kirkland State Bank in 1951, ultimately being named President in 1981.  In 1983 she became a Vice President of the Trust Department of Belvidere Bank and Trust, retiring in 1990.  She then served as a member of the Board of Directors of Alpine Bancorporation Inc., until her retirement from the Board in 2015.  She loved working with people and enjoyed seeing children who came to the bank for loans to buy their 4-H animals return later as adult customers of the bank.  She oversaw an all-female staff at the bank, from the custodian to the president.  She served her profession with humor, enthusiasm and tireless energy.  An avid bowler and member of Women's American Bowling Congress, Edith bowled the first sanctioned 700 series by a woman in Belvidere when she bowled a 712 series on March 5, 1969, at Concordia Lanes.  For many years, she bowled in as many as four leagues per week and was named to the Illinois Bowling Hall of Fame.  Edith was a pianist and organist, and she organized and led the first choir of Herbert Church in the early 1950s.  She loved to travel and made countless road trips, often in her white convertible, especially to Montana and Idaho to visit her brother and his family.  She loved to read, grow roses, work crossword puzzles, and shop for the perfect cards and gifts for birthdays and holidays.  She had a great sense of humor and was a much loved and respected member of our family.

Edith will be deeply missed by all of her nieces and nephews:  Donna Rubeck, James Crawford, Barbara Laitin, Myrna Joyce Struebin, Joanne Bernasek, Jean Rosch, Ian Watts, Ruth Ann Rooks, Frances Drewes, Robert Blake, and Mary Ellen Neumueller, as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews and their children, and a host of friends.  She is preceded in death by her siblings Mary Crawford, Kenton Watts, Chester Watts, Elizabeth Blake, Myrna Watts, and Ruth Watts, and nephews Gary Blake and Jerry Prugh.  Special thanks to Pastor Allan Buss for his numerous comforting visits.  The family is also grateful to Edith's many caregivers during these past few weeks, including Peak Medical Home Care, Hospice Care of America, and Dr. Dale Gray.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday October 12, 2017 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008, with Rev. Allan Buss officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at the funeral home and from 10 – 10:45 a.m. prior to service.  Burial will be at Livingston Cemetery.  Per Edith's wishes, memorial gifts may be given to any of the following organizations:  Livingston Cemetery, Barbara Olson Center of Hope, Goldie B. Floberg Center, United Way of Boone County, or the Belvidere YMCA.