Lyllis Faye Watts, 74 of Oswego, Kansas passed from this life in the early morning of Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at her sister’s house in Joplin, MO with her family at her side.
Faye was born January 15, 1947 in the family farm house located just West of Hallowell, Kansas to Eugene Burton and Lillie June (Zwahlen) Newbanks. Faye graduated from Oswego High School with the class of 1965. She went on to continue her education and received her Bachelors of Education from Kansas Teachers College in 1969. She taught school at Neosho Heights Elementary in Oswego for many years. She retired in 2007 and then turned around and started substitute teaching for a few years after that.
Faye was a member of the Mother of God Catholic Church, Oswego, KS. Along with the church, Faye was a part of the Betta Sigma Phi Sorority; V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary; Oswego Choir; PTO; National Education Association (NEA); and taught disco and country dance lessons. Early in Faye’s childhood she enjoyed going out with her grandmother and picking pecans. She spent time outdoors tending to her garden and flowers. She was always active with kids in various activities they were involved in, but especially when it came to her own grandchildren which she cherished deeply. She was known to many for her cooking and at the end of the day she enjoyed reading.
Faye was united in marriage to Ted Raymond Watts on August 26, 1967 in Parsons, Kansas. He preceded her in death on November 13, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her father, Eugene Burton Newbanks.
Faye is survived by two sons, Thom Watts and wife Sarah of Pittsburg, KS, and Brad Watts and wife Julee of Joplin, MO; mother, June Newbanks of Oswego, KS; twin sister, Kaye Horn and husband Shelby of Joplin, MO; brother, C.W. Newbanks and wife Joyce of Olathe, KS; special niece, Tonya Horn of Joplin, MO; three grandchildren, Lily Watts, Teagan Watts, and Holland Watts; along with many nieces and nephews; we can’t forget her special companion, her dog Molly.
Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Mother of God Catholic Church, Oswego, KS. Father Larry Parker will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oswego Cemetery. Rosary will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Mother of God Catholic Church with visitation to follow. Mask will be required at Mother of God Catholic Church. Pallbearers for the service are, Don Roberts, Mike Zwahlen, Rod Monroe, John Williams, Tom Fouts, and Bob Cross. Honorary Pallbearers are Phil Blair, Stephen Muhr and Rod Orem. Memorial donations may be made to Mother of God Catholic Church or Oswego USD 504 in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.