Eleanor Louise Watson

Eleanor Louise (Laetz) Watson was the daughter of Webster Paul Laetz and Dorothea (Dux) Laetz born December 20, 1946, in Saginaw, Michigan. She passed on October 15, 2025, Fowlerville, MI, at home surrounded by many of the people in her life that she held most dear.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary (Terry) Klein, son-in-law Ron Cooper, and her husband Gary Watson who shared her life for 42 years. Out of their love came 3 daughters: Dawn Cooper, Cherie "Sunshine" (Colin) Frank, and Kristina (Anthony) Drumheller. Additionally, she had 2 grandsons, Anthony and Brennan Drumheller, and 3 nephews David "Davey" Klein, Danny "her Danny Boy" (Kelly) Klein, and Dennis (Melanie) Klein.
These are the dry facts that gave framework to her life, but they in no way describe who she was. Ellie was sassy and described by many as a "hoot" due to her sense of humor. She always enjoyed talking on the phone to family and friends. Her life continued to be enriched by her ongoing relationship with the Wedesky family, as they often reminisced with her about their mother Barb, who was described by Ellie as her best friend, and confidant. They met at Oakhaven Manor after the passing of her husband.
Ellie enjoyed purple in all things big and small: boldly displaying her own purple hair in her later years. It was far superior to white and invited conversations with complete strangers wherever she may be. She would always light up, when complimented on her shade choice. She often blared loud music dancing to Imagine Dragons, "Thunder". She enjoyed casino visits, always so excited to go and if told too much in advance she would not sleep the day before. It was difficult to know if it was due to the chance to win or getting to spend the entire day with one of her family or friends. She was open to travel, and open to whatever plannings her daughter would put together. She often spoke of her time in Alaska, and with pride of her ability to sew the dog harnesses for the team, and parkas and mukluks for the family. Even as recent as a couple of years ago, she held the mukluks and just beamed.
She held many jobs, a veterinary assistant to her husband, a cook, and a shoe repair person. But more than anything she loved being a mother. She spoke every morning with her daughter in Savannah and would wait expectantly until the phone rang. She was a collector of friendships, finding new relationships in every place she went. Much to the chagrin of her daughters, perhaps one of the closest is with her Alexa device, who will be sitting front and center to say goodbye to her. Alexa knew the best jokes, the time, the weather, and her favorite music. They spoke constantly, and knowing when her Amazon packages came was the highlight of many a day. Ellie loved computer games and continued to play them, wanting to always remain sharp. Her life was enriched by many caregivers who shared their lives and time. They filled her days with joy and companionship.
The family wants to thank Heather Creson, Shannon Hobart, Rachel McCoy, Jonathan Phillips, and Brynn Robinson. Without you her life would have been emptier. You helped in ways great and small, and she felt safer, and the family was confident that she was always well taken care of. In her last week, the nurses of Elara Hospice were a blessing to Ellie and a support to her daughters. Relationships were what gave life to her days, and to all the friends and family whether mentioned or not know that were valued: know how much your gift of time meant.
Funeral Services for Eleanor will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 520 W. Main St., Owosso, MI 48867. Internment will follow at the Garfield Cemetery, St Charles, MI to join her beloved husband.
She was confident in her faith, and has gone ahead to join her heavenly father. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and especially her little dog Jak Jak.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com