Julianne Stadden Watson

Julianne Stadden Watson, born Oct. 5, 1925, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008.

Her loving husband, Robert Watson, was at her bedside and she was surrounded by her family. Her daughter Jeannie and husband John Walkington; son, Bob (Tink) Watson; son, John and wife Jana; son, Jesse and wife Ruth; grandchildren Amos and wife, Julie, Walkington; Trevor Walkington , Sunny Eldridge, Quinn Walkington and fiancee Lana Helmich, Katie Watson and Natasha; her sister, Jeanne and niece, Missie Hultberg; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Riley and Izabelle Walkington, Dakota and Mia.

Mem-bers of the family unable to be with us were Kyle, Justin, Jeremiah, Robbie, Magan Watson, and her children Caleb and Nessa.

Julianne was an accomplished tennis player, receiving several tournament trophies and mastering a reverse backhand. Professional tennis player Bob Gullickson told Rod Laver, "You will never see anything like it."

Julie held the boys and girls high-jump record at her school in Hinsdale, Ill.

She spent summers as a child riding the train from Illinois to west Texas to ride horses and help on Aunt Agnus and Uncle Basil Cairn's ranch.

Julie and Bob participated in canoe races and she was a strong bow paddler in these competitions.

She worked for Marshall Fields in Chicago, managed a pet store with her daughter Jeannie, was a nurse's aide in Illinois and volunteered at the Elgin State Hospital, teaching modern dance to patients and enriching their lives.

Later in her life, she wrote children's books featuring Peanut People, handled book work for her husband Bob's construction company in New Mexico and started a small antique shop with her daughter Jeannie.

She enjoyed modern dance, golf, lizards, tortoises, caring for her home and decorating it in a southwestern style.

Bob and Julie's favorite homesite was in Datil, N.M. They were surrounded by the things they loved most - the high desert, blue skies, a menagerie of pets, enjoying many visits from their children, grandchildren, many friends, their log home and each other.

The family was able to be with Julianne for many days to celebrate her life.

At her request, there will be no memorial service.