Wanda Watson

Wanda Ellis Watson, 85 of Ione, California, passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2025. Born on July 1939, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in the Cherokee Nation, Wanda was the daughter of Mildred and Wayne Ellis. In 1945, when she was seven years old, her family moved to Roseville, California, where she grew up.

Wanda's journey through life led her to Ione, where she was briefly married to James Parlin of Jackson. After their divorce, she remained in Ione, where she met and married the love of her life, Harry Watson. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and family.

Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Watson; her parents, Mildred and Wayne Ellis; her sisters Shirley and Paulette; her brothers JT and Pete; her grandson Eli; and her granddaughter Cheyene.

She is survived by her sons, Ron Parlin, Brian Parlin, Matt Watson, and Michael Watson; her daughters, Debbie Parlin and Sandy Watson; 20 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a few great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through the large, loving family she cherished.

Wanda had a love of travel and was very proud of her flower garden. Her life was a testament to resilience, love and the importance of family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her service will be held on Friday, June 13th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ione City Cemetery.