Geraldine Laverne Trogdon Watts

July 23, 1927 - July 23, 2020

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Geraldine Laverne Trogdon Watts, 93, died peacefully on her birthday, the evening of July 23, 2020, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. Born July 23, 1927 in El Segundo, California, to Verne E. Trogden and Ida Mae Southard,  she spent her younger years there and graduated high school. 

She met her husband Boyd Watts at Douglas Aircraft where she delivered blueprints on roller-skates to the engineering department. They were married on April 7, 1945. The couple moved to Kanosh, Utah, so Boyd could take up the family farm. Although that meant leaving her home in California, she made a beautiful home for her family, raising six children — four girls and two boys.   

Whilst helping with the farm and raising six children, she also maintained active involvement in her church, including holding  callings, and being an involved member of the community. 

In 1970, the family moved to Gunnison, Colorado, where Geraldine supported the family business of owning the 50-Hi Motel and Trailer Court. She managed the office, cleaned rooms, did laundry, etc.

Her marriage to Boyd ultimately didn’t work out and Geraldine moved back to Holden in 1977. She later went on to live in Las Vegas with oldest daughter Sharon, as well as her daughter Jan in Wyoming.

She was known for having a revered work ethic and possessing many talents. She was a cook, seamstress, quilt-maker, athlete, artist, crocheter and reader.

Geraldine was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in 1984, at the age of 57, served a church mission in Gilbert, Arizona.    

For many years Geri was able to spend time with her dear friend Shirley Moore. The two made many memories traveling the world and experiencing life together. However, Geri was unable to keep up with the blistering pace and energy of her best friend, at which point she moved in with her son Brandon and wife Connie Watts in Fillmore, Utah in 2017. 

In the spring of 2019 Geraldine was sealed to Boyd for time and all eternity in the Payson, Utah temple.

Eventually, the toll of multiple surgeries led her to persistent requests to be put in the professional care of the Fillmore long-term care unit. Thankfully this still put her in close proximity to family, whom she was able to see daily. This also made visiting Grandma the must-stop destination for any who passed along the I-15 corridor.  Even in her older age, Geri was a joy to be around.    

After the arrival of COVID-19, she made a move to Wyoming to be under the personal undivided care of her daughter Jan, a place she would remain until her final breath.   

Hers is a legacy of resilience, gentleness, and love.

Geri is preceded in death by husband Boyd Watts, son Matt Watts, grandson, Shawn Stewart Labrum, sister, Doris Maxine Smith, sister, Ruth Elaine Parente, and brother, Robert Elwin Trogdon.

She is survived by Sharon Labrum, Las Vegas; Sandra Watts, St. George, Utah; Jan and Blaine Crosland, Kemmerer; Cindy Watts, Northern California; Brandon and Connie Watts, Fillmore, Utah; along with currently 29 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Kanosh Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, and funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. at the Kanosh  Chapel. Graveside services were held immediately after at the Kanosh Cemetery.