Vesta Joy Watson

Vesta Joy Watson, 91, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Springfield, Oregon. She was born on August 15, 1931, in Vernal, Utah to her parents, Leonard Slaugh and Jennie Postma Slaugh. She married James Hugh Crawford on July 3, 1950, and they moved to Wisconsin where they had three children: Sheryl, Jim, and Karen. They later divorced. She married Thomas Darrell Watson on April 24, 2003, and moved to Oregon.

Vesta was raised in Utah and Colorado. She attended Colorado State University and then moved to Wisconsin where James Crawford was a veterinarian. She owned and operated Crawford Sundry in Hammond, Wisconsin. She moved to St. George, Utah where she worked for the City of St. George for many years. She was a charter member of the Southwest Symphony and also taught violin students before school. She loved to garden and had beautiful gardens. She was a knitter and created many gorgeous sweaters, Afghans, and blankets. She loved fishing and holds the record for catching the biggest fish in all of the family. She was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Vesta is survived by her husband, Thomas Darrell Watson in Springfield, Oregon, and by her three children: Sheryl Snow (Lowry), Jim Crawford (Fran), and Karen Frank. Tom’s children have also been a great love and support to Vesta: James, Thomas, Kathryn, Linda, and Sheila.

She is survived by 11 grandchildren: Heather, Harland, Jimmy, Nadeen, Nicole, Christa, J Lowry, Ryan, Tyler, Rebecca, and Devin. She has 31 great grandchildren: Dylan, Oliver, Cade, Ethan, Skylar, Kaden, Shaye, Logan, Taylor, Addy, Ella, Miley, Kinnley, Garrett, Alivia, Hallie, Josie, Jonah, Jobe, Mazzy, Roxcy, Atticus, Lincoln, Teddy, Stella, Thea, Van, Graham, Soren, Elizabeth, and Natalie.

She is preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Jennie, and siblings Delbert, Calvin, Erma, and Rachel. She has one living sibling, Ralph (98).

A family memorial will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. Interment will be in the Santa Clara City Cemetery.

Friends and family that are unable to attend the services in person are welcome to view them virtually by clicking on the link below:

Video on Demand

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Vesta’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com