Rica H. Watts

Rica H. Watts, age 97, of Iron River, MI, passed away Friday, August 18, 2017 at the Iron River Care Center. Rica was born September 7, 1919 in Iron River, MI the daughter of the late Angelo and Anna (Pesciarelli) Possanza. She attended the Homer School. Rica married Walter Watts on September 19, 1936 in Iron River and the couple were lifelong residents of the area. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1986 and Walter preceded her in death in 1989. Rica was employed as a sales clerk for over 38 years, retiring from Matt Toti Men’s Store in 1994. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River, St. Agnes Altar Society, the Italian Ladies Society, and was very active in church activities and helping with luncheons for funerals. She enjoyed making pasta, knitting and bowling. Rica lived life to the fullest, serving as matriarch to five generations; all who loved her were inspired by her strength, humor and guidance. No family ever had better homemade pasta than Grandma Rica’s, and every grandchild had a favorite kind. She gifted people with her time and many talents, and she had a true appreciation for the generosity of others. Simple acts of kindness made her smile and touched her heart. It’s not the days of your life that count, it’s the life in your days. Rica was blessed with a multitude of both, and she will be missed by all. Rica is survived by her sons, Robert (Dolly) Watts of Caspian and Daniel (Joy) Watts of Cottonwood, AZ; five grandchildren, Terri Hughes (Geoff Stokero), Tammy (Brad) Tomassucci, Bobby (Jeanne) Watts, Lisa (Tommy) Anderson and Dan (Tracie) Watts; twelve great grandchildren, Christopher, Kathryn (Nate), Nicholas (Caitie), Bethany (Peter), Jenna, Maria, Emilia, Theresa, Haley, Connor, Marcus and Paige (Jake); one great, great grandchild, Gabriel Watts Glocke; special cousin and best friend, Tootsie Amelio; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brothers: Frank, Fred, and Paul Possanza, and sisters: Mary Konell, Nanna Applin, and Victoria Dicenna. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rica H. Watts, please visit our flower store.