Barbara J. Watson

Barbara Joyce Watson, age 78, of Millersburg, died at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The daughter of Francis and Myrtle (Follett) Bellville, Barb was born in Grand Rapids on September 20, 1946. She married Barry W. Watson in Troy in 1964 and in 1968, they moved to the Onaway area.
Barb's life was characterized by doing for others. She was a wife, mother, homemaker, and paraprofessional aide at Onaway Area Schools. During her thirty-year tenure working as an aide, she touched many young lives. She was kind, compassionate, and caring, yet firm with her kids at school. With her nurturing way, Barb was a mom to more than her own children; she was a mom to every child she ever worked with.
Barb had a strong sense of community and a servant's heart. She was an outstanding member of the organizations she belonged to and put her whole heart into volunteering, fundraising, meetings, and anything that needed to be accomplished. She was a member of the Millersburg Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Onaway American Legion Post as well as being very involved with Wertz Warriors and The Special Olympics of Michigan. Through the years Barb belonged to several different churches, often serving as the church pianist and participated in church activities. Most recently Barb attended the Awakon Church as well as attending worship services at the American Legion. She depended on her unwavering faith in God to lift her during hardships and heartaches.
Content with life's simple pleasures, it would be difficult to find a more humble person than Barb Watson. She enjoyed researching her genealogy, playing piano, and shopping. She was a regular at Walmart where she continually purchased things for her grandchildren or shopped for the organizations she belonged to. Barb's greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. She and Barry, with their family, enjoyed many outdoor activities including picking berries and morel mushrooms, gardening, fishing, and camping.
Barb will be remembered for being an amazing volunteer, for her patriotism, and for her heart full of love for others. She had a cheerful personality and a knack for putting a positive spin on anything negative. She was appreciative when others gave to her and thankful for all her blessings. She will be sadly missed by her son, Brian (Lyn) Watson of Saginaw; daughter, Bettina (John) Samson of Hollister, Missouri; grandchildren, Tyler, Kevin, and Laura; and great grandchildren, Tayton, Marleigh, Charlee, and Reese. She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Crystal) Bellville of Elkton, Florida; sisters, Vivian DeRosa of Clarkston and Karen Anstett of Troy; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Barry; son, Bruce; brother, Ronald Bellville; and her parents.
A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery on Saturday September 27, 2025 at 10 AM with a celebration of life to follow at the Onaway VFW Hall. In lieu of flowers, Barb's family has suggested contributions in her memory be made to the Forest Preston American Legion Post in Onaway.