Marlene Marie Watts, 90, of Sparta, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born November 7, 1934, in Shady Grove, Missouri, the daughter of Noel and Marie (Woodall) Johns. Marlene was saved at a young age and walked closely with her Lord throughout her life. She was very active in church, spending many of those years playing the piano and singing in church services, for funerals, and local events. On November 11, 1952 Marlene was united in marriage to Rex “Jake” Watts.
“Granny ‘Lene” will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Marlene enjoyed traveling with her husband, Jake, as long-haul truck drivers, even spending time behind the wheel herself. She could often be found spending many hours in her kitchen, feeding family, friends, and anyone who sat at her table. During her working years, she was a secretary at the Christian County Health Department and worked for several elected officials in the Christian County Recorder’s office. As long as her health allowed, she attended any sport or school event her grandkids and great-grandkids participated in.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jake and good friend Fred Braden.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Gregg and Kathy Watts, Jenise and Tom Humble, and Bryan and Susan Watts; eight grandchildren and their spouses: Janie Guenther and her husband Jake, Ryan Gann, Stephanie Garner and her husband Paul, Amy Forgey and her husband Keith, Andy Humble and his wife Nicole, Aric Humble and his wife Kristina, Tim Watts and his wife Rose, and Kelly Watts; 15 great-grandchildren Holden Brown, Emma Gann, Shane Johnson, Jr. and his wife Katelyn, Thomas Garner and his wife LeeAnn, Kendall, Layne and Kade Forgey, Addison and Ella Humble, Austin and Dylan Humble; Bentley, Brayden, Brody and Khaleesi Watts; six great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many loving friends.
Funeral services for Marlene will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, February 28, 2025, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri, with Pastor Howard Kisor and Pastor Duane Smith officiating. Visitation will began at 9:00 A.M. until service time. Burial will follow in the Sparta Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
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Lou Ann (Johns) Stark says
February 27, 2025 at 4:28 pmDear Family,
Marlene was a wonderful woman who always had a smile on her face. She was a loving cousin and a credit to the Johns family. She will be missed by many!
Love,
Lou Ann (Johns) Stark
North Carolina
Loyd & Connie Todd says
February 28, 2025 at 4:10 pmWe remember Marlene very well and very fondly from her days in the Recorder’s Office. She was always friendly and helpful. We’ll look forward to seeing her again in Heaven someday. Those who love and miss her already will be in our prayers.