Kathleen Jeske Watson

Kathy Jeske Watson 1954-2021
Kathy passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 5, 2021, with her husband Greg at her side.
She has left behind a legacy of loving warmth and happy memories among all who knew her.
Kathleen was born June 11, 1954, to Harold and Marian Jeske in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she
was raised. She grew up enjoying Camp Fire Girls, horseback riding, playing the piano, playing tennis,
and working on her high school yearbook staff. In childhood, she developed a lifelong love of dogs,
always considering them part of her family.
She majored in Secretarial Administration at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, graduating in
1975. In 1974, Kathy met fellow NMSU student Greg Watson, and they began a 47-year romance
together. Greg considered himself the luckiest guy on the planet. They married in 1977, and in 1978
moved to China Lake, California, where both of them worked for the U.S. Navy. They soon cultivated a
new circle of friends and fell in love with the Mojave Desert.
In 1988, Kathy and Greg welcomed Kelly, their only child, into their family. Kathy became an amazingly
dedicated stay-at-home mother, focused on raising their daughter. She was a Girl Scout troop leader,
helped with homework when needed, tirelessly supported school events, served as a PTA board
member, and was very involved with school music boosters. She never missed any of Kelly's band
performances or in-town tennis matches.
Kathy and Greg happily welcomed Michael Spahn as their new son-in-law in 2017. In 2020, they proudly
gained a new grandson, Luke Spahn. Being Luke's Grammy was Kathy's all-time favorite job.
Kathy enjoyed photography, listening to music, watching classic TV shows and movies, and many
handcraft hobbies like stained glass, scrapbooking, making jewelry, and crocheting. She especially
enjoyed socializing with her family and many friends. She never considered herself the life of a party,
but she always brightened any gathering of people.
Above all, Kathy was a devoted believer in God. She instilled the love of our Lord in her daughter and
even sang hymns to her grandson. As a faithful member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, she was
always spiritually present at her church. Her spiritual beliefs were always evident through her
generosity and kindness to others.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Greg, daughter Kelly Spahn
(Michael), grandson Luke Spahn, sister Beth (Norm), brother David Jeske (Carolyn), niece Rachel Jeske,
nephew Joel Jeske (Stephanie), grand nephew Brooks Jeske, grand niece Betty Jeske, and aunt Lois
Eggers.
The family would like to thank all who showed kindness to Kathy while she was still living, including her
many friends, her church family at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, and the Indian Wells Valley Church of
Christ. We are also very grateful for the conscientious efforts of the first responders and for the
outpouring of care and concern for us after Kathy's passing.
There will be a graveside service for family only. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the
Ridgecrest Lions Club Charity Fund, PO Box 2301, Ridgecrest, California 93556.