Juneth Whitaker Watson , wife of James Porter Watson, daughter of Paul and Ida (Vollmering) Whitaker, went home to be with the Lord on Friday July 5, 2024, at the family's ranch surrounded by family and loved ones in Hye, Texas. Juneth was born on July 3, 1927, on what is now the Clear Creek Ranch between Middle Creek and Yeager Creek, just west of Henly. She was a lifelong resident and respected citizen of Hye, Blanco County, Texas.

Juneth married James Porter Watson, (grandson of Hiram Brown founder of Hye Texas) on July 3, 1947, where she lived and raised her children on the family ranch.  She and Porter were blessed with three children, Linda Lea Sewell, who lives on the ranch, Bonnie Lue Jenschke, deceased, and James Patrick Watson, who also continues to live on and manage the family ranch.

Juneth's mother, Ida Whitaker, died shortly after Juneth's birth due to complications and she was adopted and raised by her grandparents, Charles (Charlie) and Alvina Vollmering. At the age of 12, the family moved from her birthplace to just west of Hye where she attended school for one year at the Junction school house, which is now part of the LBJ National Park. The following year they moved to the Rocky Creek area, and she began attending school at the Pleasant Hill Community School House, where she met Porter. She graduated from Johnson City High school in 1945.

Juneth and Porter went on one date prior to his entering the Army. While he was overseas, they wrote many letters to each other which the family still have and cherish. They continued dating upon his return and married a year later, on her twentieth birthday. They were blessed to enjoy their 75th diamond wedding anniversary, together, on July 3, 2022.

Juneth dedicated her life to God and her family; from 1959 to 1973 she worked tirelessly as a caregiver for numerous elderly family members, all who passed away, and then for her daughter who was involved in a very serious car accident. During this time, she was actively raising her family while helping to maintain the family ranch.  She participated in her children's activities which included 4H and being den mother for Patrick's Boy Scout Troop. She enjoyed sending cards and letters to friends and family and people confined to home or nursing homes. She had pen pals all over the world from the age of fourteen. She also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and playing (winning) games of Skipbo. She was very interested in genealogy and was surprised to discover her 10th great grandfather William Whitaker was Master of St. John's College in Cambridge England and Doctor of Divinity.

Juneth and Porter were instrumental in re-establishing and re-opening the Rocky Creek Community Church in Hye, Texas. She, along with other ladies of the church, made blankets for the congregation to sit on until benches could be made. In February 1956, Brother Joe Jones became the full-time pastor for the church and held the position until he retired. The church remained open until August of 2022.  Juneth and Porter remained dedicated and faithful members of the church until it closed.

Juneth was blessed with a deep Christian heritage and her life was a perfect example of a Proverbs 31 virtuous woman. She was always the last to get a plate when serving guests and wanted them to know they were cared for. Her family will always be grateful for the life lessons she taught them and will try to live up to her standard.

Juneth is preceded in death by her husband, James Porter Watson and her daughter Bonnie Lue Jenschke, as well as son-in-law Bobbie Sewell. She was also preceded by half siblings Nolan Whitaker, Tom Whitaker, Ruth Keefer, and Sandra Anderson and three great grandchildren Emily June Watson, Hope Watson, and Annabeth Watson.

Juneth is survived by two children, Linda Lea Sewell and James Patrick Watson, his wife Margie; sister-in-law Emma Whitaker, son-in-law Benno Jenschke, former daughter-in-law Debbie Watson; five grandchildren, Jeffrey Jones, his wife Laura Jones; Jennifer Watson, her husband Duane Watson; Chantel Rose Watson, her husband Sean O'Donnell; James Paul Watson, his wife Misty Watson; and Kaitlyn Renee Marshall. Seven great grandchildren: Blaykton Watson, Riley O'Donnell, Henry O'Donnell, Jonathan Parker Watson, Temprance Watson, Hunter Jones, and Griffin Jones. Nieces Edna Whisenant, Barbara Bryant and Deborah Gibson.

Visitation and viewing will be Friday, July 12, 2024, from 5:00 -7:00 pm at Rocky Community Church, Hye Texas.

Funeral services will be held on July 13, 2024, at 10:00 am at Rocky Community Church in Hye, Texas. It will be followed by the burial at the Rocky Creek Cemetery behind the church followed by the reception at the family ranch, 4B Ranch, 9726 Hwy 290 W, Hye, Texas. At the white house.

Flowers may be sent to Rocky Community Church and/or in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hill Country Memorial Hospice, in Juneth Watson's honor. 830-997-3530