Published on December 26, 2025 6:20 am
Last Updated on December 26, 2025 8:04 am
Dolores “Lorie” Lavonne Watts, 95, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Tuesday December 23, 2025 at Lutheran Care Center in Altamont, IL with her sons by her side.
Lorie was born on August 9, 1930 in Gowrie, IA, the daughter of Conn and Margaret (Brandt) McCosh. On July 2, 1950, she married the love of her life, Tommy Watts, in Beecher City, IL. They shared many devoted years together until his passing on March 7, 2016. Lorie spent her life putting her family first. She saw the best in those around her and her door was always open. She was known for her kindness and had a rare gift of being easy to talk to. She was everyone’s go-to when life felt heavy or confusing. She listened with patience, never passed judgment, and made people feel safe being themselves. Her kindness, faith and compassion were felt deeply, and her words, often simple, always sincere, brought comfort to many. When Lorie was not helping others she enjoyed painting, reading cookbooks and watching cooking shows. She was a loving presence in the lives of all who knew her and will be deeply missed.
Lorie is survived by her sons, Greg Watts and Jeff Watts of Effingham, IL; grandchildren, Angie (Brad) Cooper of Yukon, OK, Lance Fuell of West Frankfort, IL, Justin (Gabby) Watts of Coweta, OK, Cody (Trish) Watts of Irving, TX, Dylan Hampton of Louisville, IL, Elizabeth Watts of Effingham, IL, Savanna Watts of Effingham, IL, Libby Watts of Raleigh, NC and Baylee Watts of Crumpler, NC; great-grandchildren, Kara Harris of Corvallis, OR, Caitlin (Kade) Marlatt of Woodward, OK, Devlin Watts of Coweta, OK, Fallyn Watts of Coweta, OK and Emmitt Noffke of Effingham, IL; great-great-grandchildren, Major Marlatt and Montgomery Marlatt of Woodward, OK as well as many nieces, cousins, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughters, Connie Fuell and Rhonda Conner; son, Mike Watts; and grandsons, Brandon Conner, Zachary Watts, and Cruz Watts; sisters, Dixie Ross and Vera Arms.
Though she is gone, Lorie’s love will continue to live on through her family and all who were lucky enough to know her.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Beecher City Cemetery in Beecher City. Memorials may be made to Effingham Church of Christ or Lutheran Care Center. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.