Rosella Watts

Rosella Watts, 77, of Lincoln City, Oregon, passed away surrounded in love by her family with her daughters and grandchildren present on May 9, 2026, at her home in Hope Mills, North Carolina. Services will be held on May 29, 2026, at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, at 1330 where she will be laid to rest with her husband David. Rosella was born on September 5, 1948, in Oregon City, Oregon. She dedicated her life to her family, her children, and her faith in God. Rosella was the proud mother of 10 children, grandmother to 38 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 18 great-grandchildren. She gave birth to four daughters and one son. When she married her late husband, David, their families blended, and she lovingly welcomed two more sons and three daughters into her heart and home. Together, David and Rosella also shared one biological child. Rosella’s love for family knew no boundaries. Her children extended far beyond her immediate family, as she opened her home and heart to anyone in need of love, support, and a place to belong. To many, she became not only a caregiver but also a mother and source of comfort, guidance, and unconditional love. As a devoted member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Rosella faithfully served her parish community in many ways. She was a third-grade CCD teacher, a Eucharistic minister, and a dedicated volunteer for numerous church events, including coffee and donuts, soup suppers, and Vacation Bible School. Through her service, Rosella shared her deep faith, kindness, and compassion with everyone around her. As an active member of her community, Rosella dedicated much of her life to caring for and inspiring others. She owned and operated Grandma’s House Daycare in Lincoln City for 20 years, where she lovingly cared for countless children and families. Rosella also served as a local puppeteer at Driftwood Public Library for 17 years, bringing joy, laughter, and creativity to children throughout the community. Bringing the gift of books and reading to children was one of Rosella’s greatest passions. She believed deeply in the importance of encouraging imagination, learning, and a love of reading in young minds. In sharing that passion, Rosella wrote multiple children’s books. She would attend the local schools and read to the children, bringing treats and encouraging young children to open their minds and imagination to the power of reading. In recognition of her dedication and impact, she received multiple awards from the library, schools and the city for her outstanding service and contributions. Rosella is survived by her children, Renee Dillon Sanders, Rachelle Gidney, James “Howdy” Dillon, Tami Sparks, Anthony Watts, and Tiffany MacDuff, as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loving siblings all of whom were deeply blessed by her love, guidance, and unwavering devotion to family. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Watts; her sister, Tillie Pattee; her daughters, Tamara Watts and Rebecca Walker; and her son, Robert Watts. She was also preceded in death by her grandsons, Justin Rosenberry and Devin Bolan, and her great-grandson, Shawn Hart. Friends and family are welcome to join Rosella’s children as they celebrate her life and rejoice in her birth into the Kingdom of Heaven. Services will be held on May 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

Rosella Watts

September 5, 1948 - May 9, 2026