Maxine Watson

Maxine Ann Stanger Watson, 84, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2016, at her home, of causes incident to age, surrounded by her family. She was under the care of Encompass Home Health and Hospice. Born February 16, 1932, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Newell R. Stanger and Goldie Emily McCullough Stanger, she was the third of five children. Maxine grew up and attended schools in the Lincoln area, graduating from Ammon High School in 1950. Maxine married Donald M. Watson November 22, 1950, in Idaho Falls. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. The couple made their home in Idaho Falls. Maxine was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. In 1974, Maxine’s sister died and four years earlier her husband had also passed away. They left four children: Trina, Sandy, Scott, and Ann Tirrell. In order to keep them together, Donald and Maxine became their legal guardians, took them into their home, and helped raise them. Maxine was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a Counselor in the Primary Presidency, a Primary Teacher, and a Stake Missionary. She also hand-made hundreds of sets of hats and mittens for the Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center. She enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, quilting, crocheting, baking, and spending time with her family. Survivors include four sons, Michael (Delaine) Watson, Douglas (Janice) Watson, Robert Watson, and Gregg (Katherine) Watson, all of Idaho Falls, sister, Helen Summers of Idaho Falls; brother, Lynn Stanger of Oregon; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her parents, brother, Archie Stanger, sister, Deon Tirrell, and three grandchildren; Shelly, Bryce and Hailee Watson. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2016, at the Iona LDS 4th Ward (Cloverdale Building), 1040 Crimson Drive, with Bishop Terrill Nielson officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.