Submitted by: Dan Rich

Erma Louise Watson

March 11, 1912 - Jan. 8, 2000

South Bend Tribune 1/10/2000

Erma Louise Watson, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully in her home at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, surrounded by the family who loved her so much. The daughter of Florence A. and Herbert H. Johnson, Erma was born on March 11, 1912 in Chesterton, Ind.

On Nov. 26, 1936 Erma married Samuel Watson, who preceded her in death in 1980. A Mishawaka resident for the past 79 years, Erma is survived by sons, Thomas (Diane) Watson, Mike (Mary Lou) Watson, Samuel (Kathy) Watson, Richard Watson, all of Mishawaka, John Watson of Lombard, Ill., and Robert (Vicki) Watson of Osceola, Ind.; daughters, Judith (Al) Zielinski, Rachel (James) Grummell, and Ruth Ann Winslow, all of Mishawaka. She is also survived by and will be greatly missed by her 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Alice Smith of South Bend, Ind.; and by a brother, Charles Johnson of Niles, Mich. Family members preceding her in death include son-in-law, Thomas Winslow; grandson, Thomas Winslow, Jr.; grandson-in-law, David Bradenbaugh; three sisters, Jean Cole, Betty Morrical, and Marjorie Call; and three brothers, Herbert Johnson, James Johnson and Richard Johnson.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 12, in the First Baptist Church, 724 North Main Street, Mishawaka, where Erma was a member for the past 39 years.  Friends may call at the Bubb Funeral Chapel from 2 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, or one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or to Hospice of St. Joseph County.