Barbara Louise Watts, a longtime Portage resident passed away Saturday, October 27, 2012. She was born on March 15, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Leo and Agnes Gaal. She was a longtime member of St Francis Xavier Church where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also took communion to people at their homes. Barbara worked for many years at St. Francis Xavier School in the office. She was also a lifelong Cub Fan. Barbara loved gardening, her grandkids, great-grandkids, her dog, Gunner, and her faith.
She is survived by 7 children, Charles Watts, Mary (Thomas) Goolik, Michele Balas, Richard (Debra) Watts, Kurt (Carol) Watts, Steven (Cynthia Portney)Watts, Christopher Watts all of Northwest Indiana; grandchildren, Joseph and Brian Balas, Charles Watts Jr., Laura Theodorakos, Alexis and Natalie Goolik, Christen Watts, Nicholas Watts, great-grandchildren, Sydney, Carley, Megan, and Brandon Balas, Lilith Watts, Atlas and Xander Theodorakos
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Watts, 1 sister, Leona Broom, 1 great-granddaughter, Arianna, and 1 daughter-in-law, Donna Watts.
Funeral services are Saturday, November 3, 2012 beginning with 9:30 a.m. prayers at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage and proceeding to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for an 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Eduardo Malagon officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage. Visitation is Friday, November, 2, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer vigil at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. Call (219) 762-3013 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.