Barbara Watson

Barbara Jean Watson, 73, of Anita, Iowa peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 with her devoted husband and three daughters by her side. She was born March 5, 1952. Barb was raised in Anita, Iowa by her loving parents Harold and Leona Heeren. Barb graduated from Anita High School in 1970 and later attended Marshalltown Community School of Nursing. She faithfully served as a Registered Nurse Supervisor at Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, then as a Nurse Consultant for the HIV Prevention Program with the Iowa Department of Public Health in Des Moines and co-authored articles for the AIDS Patient Care magazine. She later moved back to Anita and married Rodney "Fuzzy" Watson on January 14, 1995. They co-owned Fuzzy's Anita Tavern for four years. She finished her career as Director of Nursing at Caring Acres Nursing Home in Anita, Iowa.

Barb cherished her time with her three daughters, grandchildren, and her faithful, life-saving dog Izzie. She was happiest when she was surrounded by family laughing, sharing meals, and playing cards. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, fishing, and traveling. Her most treasured trip was with Fuzzy in Alaska. We take comfort knowing she is in a better place and free of a body that limited her adventurous spirit in her final years. We love her dearly and will keep her in our hearts forever.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Leona Heeren, her biological siblings Lili, Howard, and Jerry and her granddaughter Ashley.

She leaves behind her loving Husband Rodney "Fuzzy" Watson of Anita, IA; her daughters, Christine (Jason) Huntrods of Marshalltown, IA; Kelly Gurney of Yuma, AZ; and Jennifer (Humberto) Figueroa of Katy, TX; grandchildren Justin, Katelyn, Andrew, Lexus, Hannah, Mason, Alisha, and Destiny and 9 great-grandchildren; her biological siblings Larry, Donna, and Shirley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Anita Community Center on June 14, 2025 beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita is caring for the Watson family at this time.