Mrs. Nina Fay Watts, age 99, of Robinson, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 2:25 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Crawford Memorial Hospital following several months of declining health.
Born on December 21, 1925, in Robinson, Illinois, she was the daughter of Russell J. Green and Opal Lenora (Turnipseed) Green. She was a proud graduate of Robinson Township High School, Class of 1943. On July 5, 1945, Nina married the love of her life, Donald Dee “Don” Watts, and they shared 67 years of marriage until his passing on April 10, 2013.
Nina led a dedicated and industrious life, working as a secretary for several organizations including Goodyear Tire and Rubber, the State of Illinois Veterans Administration Office, Old Dutch Brewery in Findlay, Ohio, and Real Blue Lumber Company in Findlay, Ohio.
She was a longtime member of New Hebron Baptist Church in New Hebron, Illinois, where she found spiritual nourishment and community. In the early 1960s, her husband’s job with Marathon Oil Company took the couple overseas to Tripoli, Libya. During their years abroad, they traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, but Nina especially cherished their time in Beirut, Lebanon. She fondly remembered the simple joy of “coffee in the morning” and “tea in the afternoon.”
Nina is survived by her son, Michael Dee (Jo Lynn) Watts of Dowagiac, Michigan; her grandchildren, Christopher (Jennifer) Watts of Robinson (New Hebron), Illinois, and Melissa Watts of Watertown, New York; her great-grandchildren, Hanna Jane Brodine Watts of Salt Lake City, Utah, Matthew (Haylee) Spreen of Ferndale, Michigan, and Alder James Brodine of Watertown, New York; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don Watts; brothers-in-law and their spouses James Ray and Marilyn Watts, Billy Watts, Ira and Marie Watts, and Jack and Harriett Watts; sister and brother-in-law Beebee and James Osborn; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Roberta and Gene Richart.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, Illinois, with Pastor Lee Gurley officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Robinson New Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 601 S. 9th Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
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