Anne Simpson Watson

1943 - 2021

Anne Simpson Watson

Anne Simpson Watson passed away peacefully at her home in the Bull Mountains on Jan. 28, 2021. She was 77 years old. Anne was born on Oct. 21, 1943 in Billings, Montana to parents Clyde and Alice Simpson. She was fortunate to be raised by not only her mother, but her doting grandparents, Sam and Daisy McDowell.

Anne spent her early years skiing, playing piano and riding horses. She spent many happy childhood days at the family cabin at East Rosebud Lake and visiting friends in Sheridan, Wyoming. After graduating from Montana State University in Bozeman, traveling throughout Europe and teaching in Ketchikan, Alaska, Anne met a young doctor who changed the course of her life. Anne Simpson soon became Mrs. James B. Watson. The Montana girl spent several years living in Tennessee and California before settling in Anchorage, Alaska where she and her husband lived for 25 years and raised their three daughters: Dahy, Sarah and Ansley.

Anne was a dedicated mother and chose to stay home with her children when they were young. Upon retiring, Anne and Jim moved back to Anne's beloved Montana, where they divided their time between their home in the Bull Mountains and their special place at East Rosebud Lake. After many years of caring for her children, Anne finally had time to nurture her own interests: animals and books.

Anne was a voracious reader, spending every afternoon curled up in her favorite chair with a glass of iced tea and a good 'who done it' novel. She loved her cats and dogs, as well as the wild animals who frequented the forest around her home. She supported many animal charities and always gave a good home to the homeless cats who were lucky enough to end up on her doorstep. Though kind and gentle at heart, Anne will always be remembered for her feisty personality, quick wit and use of figurative language. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Anne is survived by her three children: Dahy (Ian) McIntosh, Sarah Watson and Ansley (Rob) Ford; and six grandchildren: Will, Cy and Cael McIntosh, Daisy Parnell and Rose and Sam Ford.

In keeping with Anne's wishes, no funeral services are planned. Should you wish, donations may be made in Anne's memory to the Rimrock Humane Society in Roundup, Montana.