Kathie Lynn Garza's Obituary
My name is Kathie Lynn Garza. I was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on August 30th, 1964. I was the last sibling of six born to Eugene and Delma (Barnett) Watts. As I grew up being the baby of the family, I enjoyed tagging along with my siblings and being a tomboy at heart. In my earlier years I loved playing and watching sports of all kinds, later becoming an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox teams.
In 1982, I graduated with my high school diploma from Bloom Trail High School in Sauk Village, Illinois. After graduation I began working at Guardian Photo, played on a bowling league and in 1987 found love when I married Hermenegildo Garza, Jr. in Sauk Village, Illinois. Despite later divorcing, we were blessed in our marriage with two beautiful children, Rosa Marie Lynn in 1988 and Steven Arturo in 1990. My children and I relocated to Centerville, Iowa in 1998. Throughout the years I worked at the Silver Spur and was a member of many pool leagues. Many may say, I was a strong one to have on the teams and I wore that honor proudly.
Centerville was my home until January 29th, 2025 when I left this earth to be with the lord, my savior after battling multiple health complications.
Many special people I loved left this earth long before I did. I was preceded in death by my grandparents, father Eugene Watts, mother Delma Watts, brother Jeffrey Watts, niece Hope Watts, nephews Michael Jones, Adam Watts, brother-in-law Larry Curtis and the most special of them all my sweet son Steven Garza.
I was often described as a young woman in an old body with a sharp mind and a gentle soul. Left to remember me as such and to carry on my memories are my daughter, Rosa (Josh) Ewing and my grandchildren, Spencer and Aubrey Ewing of Centerville, Iowa. Brother, Eugene (Charlotte) Watts of Naples, Florida and children Dawn (Marty) Hill, Eugene Watts, and Sonya (Chris) Wall. Sister-in-law, Cynthia Watts of Frankfort, Illinois and children Kari (Duane) Tomiak, Patrick (Rachel) Watts and Tony (Jen) Watts. Brother, Tony (Loni) Watts of Centerville, Iowa and child Delma-Jean (Matthew) Turgeon. Sister, Linda (Mark) Jones of Melrose, Iowa and children Mark (Jennifer) Jones, Matthew (Charlene) Jones, and Sarah (Willie) Swayne. Sister, Cheryl Watts-Curtis of Centerville, Iowa and child Amber (Andrew) Lester. Special nephews, Lee Carter of Exline, Iowa and Steve Stroud of Des Moines, Iowa. I am also leaving my love and memories to many nieces and nephews across the state.
As you read this I will be resting peacefully with the lord and holding my son again, but I ask that you join those I love so strongly in celebration of my life.
Thank you for loving me, loving those I love and for any kindness you have given during this time of grief for the ones I've left behind. God is good all the time.
Visitation services will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 10:00-11:00AM at the Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11:00AM with interment following at the Oakland Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the family and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home ATTN: Garza Family at 501 N. 18th St. Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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