Donna Jean Watson

Donna Jean (Reed) Watson, 82 passed away September 26, 2014, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Funeral services were held Wed., Oct. 1, 2014 at the Congregational Church in Lusk, with Pastor Mark Lohr officiating.

She was born on February 24th, 1932, to Ray and Bernice (Haworth) Reed near Lusk, Wyoming. Jean started to school at a one room, rural country school. Four years later Jean and her parents welcomed a brother, Bud to the family. Until high school the family moved to numerous locations in Niobrara County. She graduated high school from Manville High School in 1949.

After graduation, she attended the National School of Business in Rapid City, S.D. In February 1951, she married Bud Watson of Glendo, Wyoming. After their wedding, the couple moved to Casper, Wyoming. In the next four years, they welcomed two children, Judy and Don.

The family returned to help on the Reed 77 Ranch. They resided there for nearly 10 years, and also welcomed their third child, Troy, before moving back to Lusk. Upon their return the family purchased The Fireside Bar & Cafè. After five years in the bar and cafè business, they were in the lumber yard business. The couple was married for 33 years before divorcing.

Jean then went to work at the Lusk State Bank, before going to work at the Niobrara County Clerk of Court as a deputy. She worked there for 20 years and retired in 2003.

After retiring, her interests included spending time with family, keeping an interest in livestock at the family ranch, gambling, reading and shopping on QVC.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her brother, Bud Reed and wife Betty Jean of Lance Creek; daughter, Judy Herz; son, Don Watson, both of Casper; son, Troy Watson of Lusk; granddaughter, Heidi Cardwell; and two great-granddaughters, Bristol and Reagan Cardwell, all of Lusk.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Niobrara County Library of Lusk, WY, or the memorial of your choice.

Pier Funeral Home of Lusk is in charge of the arrangements.

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