Pearl E Watson

Pearl Elizabeth Watson passed away on July 20, 2018, at the Meadowlark Hill Retirement Community. She was 85. Pearl was born November 7, 1932, to Maude and Curtis Swart of Riley, KS. She grew up in rural Riley, Kansas and graduated from Junction City High School in 1950. Pearl married B. Jack Watson on August 9, 1953, in Riley, Kansas. He survives, as do all of their children: David (Jill) Watson of Kansas City, MO, Dale (Lori) Watson of Omaha, Dean (Susan) Watson of Wichita and Deanne (Mark) Burris of Manhattan. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Kathleen (Brad) Bulk of Wamego. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two siblings. Pearl obtained her Kansas Teacher State Certificate in Elementary Education in 1952 and began her teaching career in Manhattan-area schools. While teaching full-time and raising her family, Pearl received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in Elementary Education (1964). At that time, she began teaching solely for USD #383/Manhattan and continued until her retirement. During those years, she earned a Master's degree in Elementary Education (1974), as well as an additional Master's degree in Special Education (1977). Pearl became an icon in the field of Education. She received an Excellence in Teaching award in 1983, was a nominee for Kansas Master Teacher in 1992, as well as being inducted into the Kansas Teacher's Hall of Fame in 1994. She truly had a passion for people and strived to help others in all circumstances. Her classroom is where she touched the lives of many students, parents and fellow teachers. Pearl was happiest when surrounded by family, especially her grandchildren. She played hundreds of games of Go Fish/Old Maid, and read thousands of books over the years! She also participated in many clubs/organizations, and enjoyed genealogy, gardening, sewing, and scrapbooking. Jack and Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Colbert Hills Golf Club (Manhattan, KS) from 10-11:30 am. A private service will be held later. A memorial has been established at St. Luke's Early Learning Center (PreSchool), 330 Sunset, Manhattan, KS 66502. Arrangements have been entrusted to Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation.