Helen Ann Watts

Helen Ann (Nelson) Watts, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, March 19, 2007, at Lakeland Continuing Care in Berrien Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 22, 2007, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, in Benton Harbor, with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. A private burial will be held at Crystal Springs Cemetery at a later date. Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening, March 21, 2007, from 6:00 to 8:00, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, in St. Joseph, with a Rosary Service at 7:30. Memorials may be made either to St. John’s & Bernard’s Parish or to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks & Menchinger.com. Helen Ann was born on July 30, 1911, in Benton Harbor. She graduated from St. John’s High School in 1929. In 1938, Helen Ann married Richard Watts. She was a longtime member of the Altar Society at St. John’s Parish and was a longtime volunteer at Memorial Hospital. She loved playing cards with her friends from her many clubs. “She was the happiest when surrounded by her family.” Each year her family celebrated her birthday at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, and this celebration will be continued to be held in her honor. She was a wonderful nurturing mother, grandmother, and had many dear friends. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara (Louie) Konopka; and her five grandchildren, Lori Cook, Suzanne (Rob) Mazigian, Michael (Lynette) Lucker, Steven (Julie) Schlutt, and Mark (Linda) Schlutt; sixteen great-grandchildren, Jennifer & Joshua Cook, Bobby, Zachary, & Carly Mazigian, Kaitlyn & Adam Lucker, Kris, Amber, April, & Ashley Taylor, Peter, Patty, Anna, Holly, & Dori Schlutt; one great-great-grandchild, Larissa Cook; and by her niece, Bonnie Lee (Roland) Pitts; and nephew Robert (Kay) Nelson. Helen Ann was preceded in death by her husband Richard Watts; parents, Walter & Nellie (Burke) Nelson; her infant son, Michael; daughter, Patricia Schlutt; brother, Robert Nelson; nephew James Nelson; sons-in law, Richard Lucker, and Millard Schlutt; grandson-in-law, Dana Cook.