Ella Mae Watts

Ella Mae Watts, 99, of Tiffin, passed away at 11:27 a.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Autumnwood Care Center surrounded by her family.

Ella Mae was born September 17, 1926 in Jackson, KY to the late Dosha Combs and George Washington Watts. She married Herschel Watts on May 6, 1945, in Jackson, KY. They were married 64 years prior to his death on July 17, 2009.

Ella Mae is survived by three children, Herschel (Alicia) Watts Jr.; Dr. Phyllis A. Watts, both of Tiffin, Carol (Richard) Kline of New Riegel, one sister, Maxine (South) Hudson of South Fork, KY, and a sister-in-law, V. Jean Watts of Xenia, OH, six grandchildren, Kevin (Becky) Watts of North Carolina, Sandra (Stephen Bennett) LaFontaine of Columbus, OH, Keena (Sean) Finsel of North Carolina, David (Sharon) Kline of Bowling Green, OH, Becky (David) Clouse of New Riegel, OH, Robyn (Alexander) Espejo of Florida, fifteen great-grandchildren, Neil Watts, C. Paige Bennett, Ethan Finsel, Elaine Finsel, Bradyn Frankart, Joseph Kline, Jonathan Clouse, Kelsey Kline, Alexandra Espejo, Michael Clouse, Carter Frankart, Benjamin Wheeler, Leah Clouse, Anna Espejo and Ashlyn Frankart.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter, Alice F. Watts, granddaughter, Kristy Frankart, a grandson, Christopher Wheeler and twelve siblings.

Ella Mae was known by many as the “Avon Lady”, post master, and one of the few women who served on the village Council in New Riegel where she lived for over forty years. She had an outgoing personality, a rye sense of humor and openly expressed her thoughts. She needed to stay busy, crocheting, sewing, quilting, walking in the park and reading a book. She never lost her Kentucky accent and kept in touch with her many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family member often providing them with historical information about other family members. At least one niece referred to her as her “feisty” aunt.

Funeral services for Ella Mae will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin. Visitation for family and friends will also be held on Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m., until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services on Wednesday, at Fairmont cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to F.A.C.T., Double W Empowerment Scholarship in c/o Tiffin Community Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice.

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