June Elizabeth Watson

June Elizabeth Watson, 96, formerly of Wood River, passed peacefully from her earthly life on December 30,2020 at Brookstone View Nursing Home in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Visitation will be on January 4th from 4 to 6 pm at the Apfel Funeral Home in Wood River, Nebraska. A family service will be held on January 5th with Rev. Trudy Hanke officiating. Burial will be in the Wood River Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Wood River United Methodist Church. Masks and social distancing will be required.



June was born on a farm north of Shelton, NE on April 2, 1924. Her parents were Robert and Helena (Rasmussen) Helser. In 1941 she graduated from Shelton High School as the valedictorian of her class. She attended Kearney Teachers College for 1 year and then taught in several central Nebraska rural districts for 7 1/2 years. She was an accountant at the Farmers Coop Elevator for 22 years and then kept books for Gideon's Service for 6 years.



June married Elmer “Bud” Watson in Gering, on September 27,1947. To this union 3 children were born, Peggy (Don) Bartholomew, Nancy (Carey) Brake, and Jon (Heidi) Watson. June's grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. You could find June and Bud burning up the highways going to and from all their activities. Her grandchildren are Mitch (Jennifer) Bartholomew, Bethany (Jonathan) Barnes, Jeremy (Andrea) Husen, Tim (Emily) Husen, and Damon (Katillia) Watson. She is also survived by 8 great grandchildren.



June's faith was steadfast. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wood River. Her church family surrounded her with their care and love. She visited with Jesus every night before she closed her eyes. He was the solid rock that guided her and held her hand when she entered heaven's gates.



June is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.



She is proceeded in death by her husband, parents, brother, Robert, and infant brother, Norris.