Jerilynn Ruth Watson OBITUARY

Jerilynn Ruth Watson OBITUARY

Jerilynn Ruth (née Bode) Watson, of Hillsboro, Oregon, passed away on May 30th, 2026, at the age of 79. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren who sang to her in her final moments.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jerilynn’s life was one of adventure and dedication to family. She lived in several places throughout her life, including Des Plaines and Glendale Heights, Illinois, and Tucson, Arizona, before settling in Hillsboro. A graduate of Austin High School in Chicago, she began her career at the family-owned Friendly Book and Hobby Store. She later became a long-time manager at the restaurant Jerry’s Place in Elk Grove, Illinois and also worked at JBs Restaurant and Rolling Hills Golf Course in Tucson.

Jerilynn had a passion for travel and explored the world with a spirit of adventure, preferring to find her own path rather than take organized tours. Her journeys took her across the country and around the globe to destinations such as China, Korea, the Philippines, England, Germany, and Mexico, among many others.

A dedicated fan, she cheered enthusiastically for the Hillsboro Hops, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, University of Arizona Wildcats, and her son’s band, the 45th Parallel.

Above all, Jerilynn was the heart of her family. Described as a woman perpetually focused on the happiness of others, her generosity was unmatched. She was a constant presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren, sacrificing to ensure they had not only what they needed but also experiences that would enrich their lives. A careful budgeter, she saved money to treat her family to wonderful trips and activities. She impressed upon her children the value of homeownership and extended this legacy to her grandchildren by providing money to all seven of them for a down payment on their own homes. Though she had a high school education, she took immense pride in her children, both of whom obtained graduate degrees.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles “Jerry” Watson; her sister, Linda (Bode) Gloeckle; and her brothers-in-law, Wayne Gloeckle and Mark Moffatt.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her sister, Jill (Bode) Moffatt; her son, Mark Watson and his wife, Ginny; her daughter, Melissa Meyer and her husband, Rich; and her seven grandchildren: Jonathon Meyer, Amanda Meyer-Wozniak, Jessica Meyer, Lena Watson, Mark Watson, Anna Meyer, and Jacinta Meyer. Her family will remember her as a confidant, a truthteller, and a woman who inspired them to live authentically and value loved ones above all else.