Judy Kay Watts' Obituary
Born Judy K. Jacobson on May 26, 1949, in Seattle, WA, Judy K. Watts entered life eternal on August 15, 2023. Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert “Bob” Watts, her parents Francis & Lillian, and her brother George. A lifelong Washington resident Judy graduated from Highline Highschool and raised her children in the shadow of Mt. Rainer. There she and Bob would often enjoy time with family in the beauty of the Puget Sound. Judy found joy in recent years with quiet times reading a good book (soon to be shared with a friend), enjoying a Bible study, or playing cards with friends. Judy was a beloved member of the Merrill Gardens community in Tacoma a place she was blessed to call home and known to fellow residents as a dear friend and an ambassador that made new neighbors feel truly welcome. Throughout her life her friends and neighbors would tell you Judy was my best friend.
As a single mom in her twenties Judy worked hard while raising her son Jerry. When she met and later married her beloved Bob who with his son John, together they would begin their family life enjoying the adventure of helping raise two boys. That joy would grow when their daughters were born, first Stephanie, and then Bobbie filling their household with the sounds and flurry of four children. While raising her family her cooking might some times have made us cringe (and later laugh with her about), she would however continue working hard at many different jobs modelling a strong work ethic for her family. Including working as a bank teller where she excelled by doing what her friends will tell you she did so well, making every person who came to her window feel known and appreciated.
Her most revered job title would come later, known to her grandchildren as Granny. Among the many memories Ashton, Zoë, Liberty, Ayden, Luther, Brodie, Faith, Abigail, and Parker will never forget are the many gifts granny would shower upon her grandkids. Granny loved her grandchildren. Her deep faith would lead her to serve as a volunteer in every congregation she and Bob were a member of. Even more importantly it would lead her to share with family in one of her final wishes that they would be happy and have Christ in their life. In the thick of her battle with cancer she made us all smile when she said, “How can I look this good, and feel so bad.”
Judy is survived by her sisters Linda, Debbie, Laurie, four loving children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Though we wished our prayer for healing was realized on this side of heaven, we thank God that our pray for healing and relief for Judy was finally answered on a day that her favorite Bible app had this verse of the day from Matthew 11:28 where Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Judy’s family wishes to thank everyone who has loved her so well. A memorial service is being
planned to celebrate her life over President’s Day Weekend in February, details will be announced soon. We hope you will receive her final benediction to all of us to rejoice in knowing you are beautiful, to be happy, and to know Christ.
What’s your fondest memory of Judy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judy?
Share a story where Judy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judy you’ll never forget.
How did Judy make you smile?

