Ella Watson

Ella May Watson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 90.

Ella was born on October 30, 1935, in Champaign, Illinois, to William and Esther Gilman. She married James Harvey Watson, Sr. on February 18, 1955, in Covington, Indiana, beginning a life together filled with faith, family, love and adventure.

As the wife of an Air Force Veteran, Ella spent 20 years raising her family and supporting her husband through military life. Along the way, she called many places home, including Illinois, New Hampshire, Okinawa, Arizona, and Missouri, before settling in Minnesota.

Ella's faith was a big part of who she was. She lived her faith through the way she cared for others, loved her family, and treated people with kindness and grace. She was a wonderful example to her family, and her faith and the values she lived by will stay with them for years to come. Above all, Ella loved her family. She loved having everyone together, hosting family gatherings, sharing stories and laughter, and making memories with the people she loved most.

Ella also had a caring heart and spent many years working as a nursing aide at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center before retiring. She continued to stay active and connected to her community, organizing activities at the senior center and enjoying countless games of cards with friends and family.

Those who knew Ella will remember her not only for the things she did, but for the way she made people feel. She was someone who valued family, togetherness, and the simple pleasure of spending time with the people she loved. Her home and her heart always had room for family, and she took great joy in watching her family grow through the generations.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, William and Esther Gilman; her beloved husband, James Harvey Watson, Sr.; and her siblings, LeRoy Gilman, Charles Gilman, Shirley Gilman, Juanita Gager, Gladys Gulliford, and Dorothy Brailsford.

She leaves behind a vast and loving family, including her children: Carol (Gene) Follingstad, Cheryl Watson, James (Becky) Watson, Jr., Wendell Watson, Aaron Watson, Sue (Tom) Baumgartner, Tom (Deb) Watson, and Donald Watson.

She is also survived and warmly remembered by her 24 grandchildren: Alisha (Bill) Brust, Angela (John) Haarstad, Anita (Chris) Heier, Alayna (Matt) Wagner, Arlyn (Ashley) Follingstad, Arick (Karla) Follingstad, Christopher Barton, David Watson, Kimberly (Matt) DeVere, Brian (Ann) Watson, Samantha Snow, Robert (Kristie) Watson, Jessica Watson, Brenda (Jon) Undem, Tammy (Matt) Leins, Tim Baumgartner, Dan (Sarah) Klimek, Amanda Loots, Jeff Watson, Shannon (Sam) Zender, Kristina (Justin) Flatgard, Corey Watson, Justin (Alayna) Thoennes, and Casey Watson; as well as 64 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2026 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend David Strom

Interment: Rothsay Baptist Cemetery, Rothsay, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com