Minerva Watson

Minerva Watson

Funeral services for Minerva Watson, 99, of Lusk were held Sept. 30, 2002, at the First Baptist Church in Lusk, with Rev. Palmer Watson and Rev. Tom Strock officiating. Interment followed in the Lusk Cemetery.

Minerva Watson died Sept. 24, 2002

Minerva was born in Schuyler, Neb., May 18, 1903, the daughter of Martin Van and Frances Richtig Church.

In 1908 the family homesteaded three miles west of Keeline, living in a three-sided lean-to, to claim the land. As soon as possible, her father built a home. Minerva attended grade school in Keeline, then went to Manville where she graduated from high school in 1921.

In 1924 she married Judson P. Watson, who grew up on an adjoining farm to the east. They had three children: Palmer Watson, Minette Gregory and Justine Watson.

In 1930 they moved to Lusk, where Judson opened his law office. In 1933 he lost his hearing, so Minerva began working as his legal secretary. She kept the office opened after his death, working until she was 81.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lusk, serving as the pianist from 1930 and later as organist into the early 1990's.

She was an avid traveler, making 19 trips abroad, the last to Eastern Europe when she was 90 years old.

Survivors include her three children, Palmer Watson of San Pablo, Calif., Minette Gregory of Los Angeles, Calif. and Justine Watson of Sioux Falls, S.D.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, James Church; one nephew Marty Church; and one niece Benecia Price.

Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records