Russell Ernest Watts

Russell Ernest Watts was born to Myron E. “Buzzy” and Shelda L. (Rigby) Watts on January 29, 1956. He grew up in the community of Wrencoe Loop just west of Dover. Russell attended Washington Elementary School, New Farmin, Sandpoint Jr. High and Sandpoint High School. He graduated in 1974.

Russell was a bright young man showing an aptitude for science and music, chemistry being one of his favorite subjects. He played bass in the high school pep band. In the early 1970s, Russell played in a local country/pop band, Kentucky Velvet, and could most often be seen at Connies Café lounge playing bass with his band buddies Curt Balch and Ken Ewing. Later, they were joined by Dave Lorenzi and began to play at larger venues.

Russell began to study at Henley Aerodrome in Hayden for his pilot's license in his junior year of high school and working toward his first solo flight. But his flight aspirations were cut short in 1974 when he was involved in a serious car accident.

In 1978, Russell and his wife April welcomed a son, James, and soon after moved to Reno, Nevada. He worked numerous jobs then returned to Sandpoint in the early 1980s.

On July 3, 1982, Russell married Robyn Hubbard. Their marriage lasted 39 years and they made their home on Wrencoe Loop, just down the road from his Mom and Dad. He and Robyn attended Laclede Community Church for many years and served their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in many capacities.

Russell passed away unexpectedly in Laclede, Idaho, on July 7, 2021. His wife Robyn passed away a short time later the same day, failing to survive heart surgery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Russell is survived by his son, James (Anne) Watts and grandson Xander of Bend, Oregon; his siblings,  Mark Watts, Sandpoint, Idaho; Kathy (Dan) Osborne, Ponderay, Idaho; Kris (James) Mendenhall, Cocolalla, Idaho; Koni (Dwight) Kincaid, Sandpoint, Idaho and Kari Lynn Carey of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Russell is also survived by beloved aunts, Donna Mack, Alice Etheridge, Elsie Monroe Gail (Bob) Bachman, and Hazel Haynes.  He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Myron E. “Buzzy” and Shelda Watts, grandparents Myron and Mabel Watts, and grandparents Pete and Opal Rigby.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.