Shirley Lorene Watt, 85

Shirley L. Watt, 85, born on November 3, 1938, in Kansas, passed away on October 13, 2024, in Overland Park, KS. Although she spent much of her life in Austin, MN, her spirit touched many hearts wherever she went.

Shirley had a gift for making everyone feel special with her kind words and warm compliments. She filled her days with laughter, lived life fully, and loved deeply. She is now reunited with her forever love, Richard “Dick” Watt. The couple met shortly after high school in Wichita, KS, and married in 1957. A true partner, Shirley moved wherever Dick’s career took them, always with their son, Greg, by their side. They settled in Austin when Greg began high school, embracing it as their forever home.

Shirley had a passion for gardening, mowing, playing the organ, crocheting, and hosting gatherings for family and friends. Her nurturing spirit and joyful nature created lasting memories for all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Greg (Diana) Watt; her grandchildren, Megan (Jason) Watson and David (Kara) Cooley; and her great-grandchildren, Aly, Sam, and Mae Cooley. She also leaves behind her three sisters-in-law, Bonnie Peterson, Marilyn Watt, and Donna Rohrbacher.

Shirley is preceded in death by her loving husband, Dick; her parents, Wiley and Juanita; her sisters, Jean and Rosalee; her sister-in-law, Joanne; and her brother-in-law, Ed, among others.

Shirley will be dearly missed for her gratitude, laughter, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 26th at 5:00 pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Austin, MN. Before the celebration,  there will be a private ceremony at the cemetery. An additional celebration of life will be held in Kansas City this November. Please contact the family for more information.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund” https://curealz.org or 781-237-3800