Maribeth Watson

Maribeth Anne Evans Watson, age 75, surrounded by her family, went home into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, June 15, 2019.  Maribeth was born on June 26, 1943 in Plymouth, Michigan, the daughter of the late Lewis Davies and Elton Marie (Garrison) Evans. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from the Ohio State University School, where she was homecoming queen, in 1961.  She attended The Ohio State University, where she met John Watson, a dashing junior who was President of Sigma Chi fraternity. Maribeth and John married on August 25, 1963 and celebrated almost 40 years of marriage before his death in 2003. She graduated in 1965 with a BS in Elementary Education.  After five years of teaching at Windermere Elementary in Upper Arlington, she retired to become a stay-at-home mom to Kathleen (Tom) Chrysler, John (Martha), and Bill (Jenny).

Maribeth followed her family’s activities, including watching baseball, soccer, softball, tennis, and musical concerts and theatrical productions.  She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, Children’s Hospital TWIG (including serving at the Memorial Tournament), and many years at the James Cancer Hospital. Maribeth and John were founding members of Northwest Evangelical Christian Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, organized yearly Maundy Thursday services, and put together devotionals for Lent and Advent.

She was a loving and dedicated grandmother, and was fondly known as Mimi to her nine grandchildren: Jacob (Alayna) Chrysler, Katie (Brock) Yutzy, Anna Chrysler, Sam Chrysler, Josie Watson, Mia Watson, Willough Watson, Benjamin Watson, and John L. Watson.  She faithfully took all of her grandchildren with her to Bible Study Fellowship as preschoolers and was always happy to listen to a beginning reader practice reading out loud. She enjoyed playing bridge with her neighborhood friends and was always ready for a game of rummy with her grandkids. Maribeth instilled a love of travel in her children and grandchildren, traveling throughout the United States, Europe, and Central America with John before his death in 2003, and later with her sister Holly, children, and grandchildren.  She was an avid Buckeye fan (and Indians fan), sharing her regular season tickets and travels to various bowl games over the years with family.  Even after she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, she made the effort to attend her grandchildren's baseball, soccer, and football games and school events. 

Along with her parents and husband, Maribeth is preceded in death by her brother, Lewis L. Evans, beloved aunt Kathalee Garrison, and sister-in-law Janis Watson. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, sister Holly (Craig) Moore, sister-in-law Elizabeth (Charles) Schnabel, brother-in-law Tom Watson, many nieces and nephews (All whom she loved very much!), and a multitude of friends.

Family will receive friends 5-8 pm Thursday at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026.  Funeral service will be held 10 am Friday at Agape Community Fellowship, 3912 Alton Darby Creek Rd., Hilliard, OH  43026. Interment at Wesley Chapel Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ohio Health Kobacker House/Hospice, 800 McConnell Dr., Columbus, OH 43214.