November 13, 1938 – May 27, 2025

Lois Watts, age 86, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025. Born on a farm 13 miles outside of Thomas, Oklahoma, Lois was the eldest of four siblings – Perry, Linda, and Nell. From an early age, Lois stood out for her intelligence, drive, and compassion. She graduated as Co-Valedictorian from Thomas High School in 1957, earning numerous scholastic awards and being voted “Most Likely to Succeed” – a title she lived up to in every way.

She began her academic journey on a music scholarship at Southwestern State College in Weatherford, Oklahoma. It was during this time that a Methodist minister introduced her to the love of her life, Darrell Watts of Martha, Oklahoma. Recognizing their shared ambition and strength of character, the minister proved to be quite the matchmaker. Lois and Darrell married and continued their studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where Lois majored in Home Economics.

In 1959, their daughter Sylvia was born in Stillwater. When their son Joel was born in 1964 in Corvallis, Oregon, with Down Syndrome, Lois made the selfless decision to change her major to Special Education. She dedicated herself to learning how to make Joel’s life – and the lives of others with disabilities – richer and more fulfilling.

Lois and Darrell’s adventurous spirit took them around the globe, where they immersed themselves in different cultures and sought to understand the lives of others. Lois earned her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska and devoted her career to Special Education. After relocating to Lincoln, Nebraska, she taught for Lincoln Public Schools and retired from Lincoln East High School in 2000. She also played a vital role in helping many individuals from the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC) transition into welcoming communities while living in the North Platte area.

Lois was known for her deep love of learning, her generous heart, and her lifelong commitment to helping others. She was also an avid gardener who found great joy in planting, pruning, and preparing delicious meals from the fruits of her labor – especially cherry pies and fresh green beans, a favorite of her son Joel.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrell Watts (2017); daughter Sylvia Kelly (2018); son-in-law Danny Kelly (2018); son Joel Watts (2020); her parents and in-laws; and her brother Perry Johnston.

Lois leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was truly a blessing to many – both those who knew her personally and those who benefited from her selfless work.

A memorial service honoring Lois’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Historic Rudge Chapel at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Interment will follow at Wyuka Cemetery, with a reception afterward in the Historic Stables at Wyuka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Arbors Memory Care through The Legacy:
https://www.alz.org/nebraska
https://www.legacyretirement.com/communities/legacy-arbors

Lois’s beautiful spirit lives on in all who were blessed to know her.