Shirley Louise Watts

Shirley Louise Watts, 76, of Robinson, IL, passed away with her family by her side on October 21, 2025, at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. She was born on April 26, 1949, in Robinson, and from the start, she learned what it meant to work hard and love fiercely. As one of the older siblings, she helped raise the younger ones, shaping her nurturing heart early on.

At just fifteen, she and the love of her life, Everett Thomas "Tommy" Watts, decided they weren't waiting another day. So, at the stroke of midnight on November 14, 1964, they crossed the river into Kentucky, where she could legally marry him. Her mom had them thrown in jail for it, but it didn't stick; it was a legal marriage, after all! That story became one of the great family legends, and it fit Shirley perfectly: a little bit wild, a little bit stubborn, and completely devoted to the man she loved.

She and Tom built their life together in Crawford County and raised four kids of their own. For years, Shirley stayed home, pouring her heart into motherhood. Later, she worked at Crawford Electronics, spent two decades at Fair-Rite, and finished her working years at Wal-Mart, where she stocked shelves with the same steady determination she brought to everything else.

But work was never what defined her. Family did.

Shirley loved the river. Always had. Weekends meant boats, fishing poles, and the chaos of water fights that left everyone laughing. It was never about the destination; it was about being together. Even as the kids grew up, the tradition stayed alive, carried on with grandkids and eventually great-grandkids. Those grandkids were her greatest joy. She'd light up when they walked through the door, her spunk and sass coming out in equal measure. And even as the years added up, that spark never faded. She was full of life right up to the end: quick with a comeback, especially when Tom gave her reason to have one. The two were inseparable. He wasn't much for traveling beyond Crawford County, but that was just fine by her. As long as she had Tom, the river, and her family close, she was home.

In her younger years, Shirley was an avid reader, but once Facebook came along, that became her new favorite pastime. She was all in—posting, scrolling, commenting—but technology didn't always cooperate. She'd get locked out of one account and simply start another, until she somehow had four going, three of which she couldn't even log into. It was classic Shirley: determined, persistent, and always wanting to stay connected. And that love for connection showed up in real life too, especially at her family cookouts, a tradition she proudly kept alive for years. Just a couple of weeks ago, she got to enjoy one last one, laughing and soaking in every bit of love around her. That's how we'll remember her: warm, witty, and always making the ordinary feel a little brighter.

She is survived by her husband, Everett Thomas Watts; by her children, Everett Thomas Jr. & Christina Watts, Timothy Joe Watts, Michelle & Doug Rollins, and Melissa Jo Rollins; by her grandchildren, Robert "Bobby" & Megan Rollins, Heather Rollins, Tyler & Heather Watts, Travis Watts, Amy & Jim Nolting, Kyle & Sierra Watts, Faith Watts, Timothy Watts, John & Staci Watts, Kirsten Watts, Dalton Watts, Whitney Watts, Brittnay Myers, Ritchie Rollins, and Savanna Cox; by twenty-four great-grandchildren (with two on the way); by her siblings, Sherry Money, Brenda Rash, Johnny Rash, Mark Flynn, and Martha McClarey; by her brother-in-law, Jerry & Norma Watts; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Walt McClarey; her mother, Elsie Flynn; her sister, Rosemary Ramsey; her brothers, Jerry McClarey and Walter McClary; and her in-laws, Sissy & Mike Clouse, Kay Zulueta, Beulah & Larry Shipman, Bud Watts, Bobby Watts, Junior & Marietta Watts, Gerald "Goat" & Carolyn Watts, and Betty Jean & Gene Miller.

It was her wish to be cremated without a public service. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family at this time.