Rosalie 'Mickey' Watts

MERCER, Wis. - Rosalie "Mickey" Watts, 77, died peacefully, surrounded by family in her home in Mercer, on Aug. 20, 2015.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the Community Center in Mercer on Friday, Aug. 28.

Mickey was born Jan. 5, 1938, and was raised in Exland. She met her future husband, Charlie, while on a date at the roller rink in Raddison; no, Charlie was not her date ... but was her soulmate. Falling in love with his charm and handsome voice, they soon married; spending 59 years together with her mothering their eight children.

In between changing diapers, cooking meals and helping with homework, Mickey managed to find time to work as a cook. Her many thousands of meals prepared for her family were more than ample practice to master this profession.

However, the most important assignment was caring for Charlie and their eight children. This was truly her passion and purpose. Picking beans for 25 cents per bushel at the age of 8 helped prepare her for this most important job; one that she did in excellence and love. It has been said on many occasion that Mickey is the stitching that holds the fabric of the family together. The closeness of all the siblings is a testament to the Agape love that she so freely showers over her family.

Mickey is defined by her faith and the love she has for her family. Our lives are better because she has been a part of them. The values and wisdom that she deposited in her children will last the test of time. She will be greatly missed and continues to be greatly loved.

She is survived by her five sons, Charles (Karen), Gerald (Arlys), Douglas (Jill), Richard (Carrie) all of Mercer, and James (Kerri) of Frisco, Texas; three daughters, Deborah Watts of Dallas, Lisa (Steve) Feigley of Silver City, N.M., and Donna (Erland) Saarnio of Mercer; grandchildren, Rebecca Kallin, Jessica Milashus, Christopher Gaines, Janet Rivera, Ryan Chaney, Sarah Lind, Chris Bossert, Jacob Saarnio, Charles Watts, Angela Watts, Erica Watts and Kaitlynn Watts; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Gordon of Wisconsin Dells; and sister, Susan Macikas of Chicago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles; sister, Patricia; and grandson, Searle.

Arrangements are with Bolger Cremation and Funeral Services in Minocqua and Woodruff. Online condolences may be left at bolgerfuneral.com.