Myrle Watts

After 89 years of joy, service and love, Myrle Watts passed peacefully from mortality on November 5th, 2021. Myrle was surrounded by her beloved husband, her children and many family members who comforted her at home during her last days on earth. While we mourn the passing of our beautiful wife, mother, sister and grandma, we know she was happily received by her family in heaven.
Myrle was born Helen Myrle Barney on October 8th, 1932 in Delta, Utah to her devoted parents, Avon and Vera Barney. Myrle preferred to go by her middle name and made this preference known early and often in her life. Myrle spent her childhood in rural Utah horseback riding and playing the trumpet. She was the third of five children and enjoyed a close and loving relationship with all of her siblings.
After graduating from Delta High School, Myrle attended Brigham Young University where she met the love of her life, Kevin Richard Watts.
After meeting Kevin at a dance, she returned home that evening and told her roommates: “I met my future husband tonight.” She was right. They were sealed for time and all eternity on June 25, 1954 in the Manti Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Myrle and Kevin shared a deep and enduring love throughout their 67 years of marriage. They influenced many for good wherever they lived, including Oakland, California; Nauvoo, Illinois and Holladay, Utah. Myrle and Kevin were blessed with six sons; Russell, Gregory, Brent, Richard, Daren and Ryan; and one daughter “from heaven,” Meleesa. Their home was always filled with a lot of activity, laughter and kindness.
The family spent summers on the lake and autumns in the mountains hunting and fishing. Every year, Myrle planned trips to the Flying B Ranch in Wyoming to visit her parents along with her children. As the Watts family grew, she continued making cherished memories with her extended family at Lake Powell. Myrle delighted her grandchildren by dressing up and participating in themed nights on the lake.
Myrle was a doting grandma. She was adored by her 28 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren — each found a place in her arms. She attended countless events, wrote many heartfelt cards and provided endless support to all of them. Her home and hospitality made every child feel special. She was known for her Christmas Eve gatherings where she gave gifts to each family member. Myrle embodied love at home.
Besides raising a large family, Myrle lived a life of service in her community. Her tender heart found purpose as a dedicated volunteer at Primary Children’s Hospital where she warmly greeted visitors and coordinated donations. She also loved volunteering at The Festival of Trees and the Red Cross for many years. Her decades of service brought her many lifelong friends and she was known to all as a kind and generous woman.
Myrle lived a vibrant life with many passions. She was a musician, singer, band majorette, rodeo queen, active ward member, giving host, caring friend, manicure enthusiast and skilled Chinese checkers player.
Our Mom and Grandma will always be remembered for her cheerful personality and gentle spirit. While we have lost her physical presence, she leaves us an enduring legacy of Christlike service, unmatched dedication to family and a strong spirit of love.
Myrle is survived by her sweetheart, Kevin; her children Russell (Diane), Gregory (Chris), Brent (Shauna), Richard (Dolene), Daren (Natalie), Meleesa (Anthony) and Ryan (Jenny); her sister, LaVon Gardner; and brother, Gary Barney. She is preceded in death by her parents, Avon and Vera; her sister, Betty Rollins; and her brother, Reo Barney.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel located on 2080 Donelson Lane in Salt Lake City, Utah 84117. Family and friends may visit with the family Friday night from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the same ward building and Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Holladay Memorial Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at MemorialUtah.com
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the Utah High School Rodeo Association (UHSRA) where Myrle was the 1952 Delta Rodeo Queen. Donations can be made via Venmo (@UHSRA) or by contacting syndi@uhsra.org.
Service Information
Viewing November 12, 2021 at 6:00-8:00 PM
2080 Donelson Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117





Viewing November 13, 2021 at 9:30-10:45 AM
2080 Donelson Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117





Funeral Service
November 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM
2080 Donelson Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117