Obituary of Imogene Leah Watson

Watson, Imogene Leah "Toby" of Saginaw, Michigan Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at her home, with her family by her side on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. She was 80 years old. Imogene Leah Yates was born on October 17, 1936 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Enoch and Marianne (Deshone) Yates. Toby was the proud 1954 valedictorian from Ss. Peter & Paul High School. Following graduation, she studied two years of nursing at St. Mary's Hospital. She married the love of her life, Robert W. "Bob" Watson on January 17, 1956 in Saginaw; he preceded her in death on March 7, 2016. Toby was a longtime and faithful member of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. She worked for Compassionate Friends - Saginaw Chapter for 10 years and was a volunteer with hospice. Toby enjoyed knitting and loved her cats. Above all she treasured and cherished her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will forever be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her gentle spirit and her selflessness to family. Surviving are six children: Amy Kercher, Elizabeth (Brian) Turner, James (Trish) Watson, Susan (Jose Ramos) Gerger, Jane Watson, and John Watson; thirteen grandchildren: Sarah, Rachel, Robert, Vasiliy, Jennifer, Karen, Norman, Robbie, Jaime, Zachary, Jay, Aimee, and Jessica; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and her beloved cat, Pudgy. She was preceded in death by two sons: Robert "Bobbie" Wayne Watson II, and Norman William Watson; parents: Enoch and Marianne Yates; two sisters: Ann Oloncino and Mary Yates. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2017 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Schabel will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Compassionate Friends. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.