Mary Evelyn (Ihloff) Watson was born July 19, 1920, in Greensburg, Ks. She was the daughter of Charles Belmont Ihloff and Helen May Cobb Ihloff. Mary was three years old when the family moved to Jetmore where her dad bought the Ford Dealership.
She was involved in many school activities and Girl Scouts as she grew up. Upon graduation from high school, Mary went to Kansas University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Science with the class of 1943. She then moved to Junction City, Kansas where she was a Social Worker.
In 1948, she and Major Henry (Luke) P. Watson were married at Fort Riley Chapel in Fort Riley, Kansas. Mary followed her husband to many Army Airbases around the world. They were fluent in Spanish and French. They were both accomplished artists and visited every Art Museum and library possible. Having no children, their lives together were focused on each other and their extended families. They loved us well.
They eventually bought a beautiful home in Summerville, South Carolina. After Luke’s passing, Mary moved to Dodge City, Kansas where she could be close enough to take care of her aging mother. In 2007, Mary moved to Bramley Place in Jetmore to be closer to Carolyn and family as she aged. On Feb. 19, 2018, Mary went to live in the Long Term Care in Jetmore. She remained there until her passing on Sept. 4, 2021 at the amazing age of 101!
Mary had the wonderful gift of being so interested in and loving the people around her. So even though her contemporaries are gone, she left behind family and friends that will always remember her and smile.
Survivors include: niece, Carolyn (Joe) Tarman, Jetmore; nephew, Charlie W. Ihloff, Dodge City; seven great nieces and nephews; twenty-three great great nieces and nephews and a long time friend, Sherri Merica.
She was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Howard W. Ihloff; nephew, Timothy W. Ihloff and a great nephew, Joshua Lynn Tarman.
Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 10, 2021 at Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore.
Memorials may be given to Hodgeman County Long Term Care Center in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663 Jetmore, KS 67854.