Chris Watts

Chris Watts, 66, of Delavan, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Kindred Hospital in Peoria.

She was born August 5, 1954 in Lincoln to William H. and Berniece Mammen Klokkenga. She married the love of her life, Steven Watts, on August 28, 1971 in Emden, and he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Cindy Jacobs of San Jose, Chelly (Kevin) Braman of Delavan, Steven L. (Kelly) Watts II, (Colonel, USAF) of Delavan, Holly (Mike) Ravenscraft of Forsyth and Kim Watts of Maroa; 16 grandchildren, Tom (Kerrissa), Austyn, Couri, Tasha, Josh (Emily), Tony, Keenan, Steven III (PFC, US Army), Preston, Jazmine, Maggie, Jacy, Justin (MM2c, US Navy), Jessica, Jon and Jordan; 10 great grandchildren; one brother, Gordon (Kathy) Klokkenga of Delavan.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her mother-in-law, Gwendolyn Watts.

Chris was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, friend and homemaker. She spent several years as a committed Air Force wife, living in Thailand, South Carolina and Indiana before returning to Delavan, with her husband, to raise their family. Chris loved her family dearly and showed her love most by baking an over-abundance of sweet goodies with and for them. She could often be heard telling an interesting story or sharing her well-honed homemaking skills with anyone who needed sound advice. She lovingly cared for many young children and baked cakes and cookies out of her home for over 20 years. Despite spending the last 16 years of her life in a wheelchair unable to walk, through sheer strength of will and character, Chris still found a way to enjoy her favorite pastime, dancing with her beloved husband of 49 years.

She was a life-long member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden and served on the City of Delavan’s 175th anniversary planning committee.

A private funeral will be at 10:00 am Saturday, January 2, 2020 at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan. Pastor Adam Parvey will officiate. A visitation for the public will be held from 3-5 pm on Friday, also at the funeral home. Visitors with immuno-compromised conditions may visit from 2:30- 3:00pm. Cremation will be accorded following the services.

Memorials may be made to the Delavan Ambulance.

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