Shelly Dee Watson

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Shelly D. Watson, age 67, of Waitsburg, WA. After a short but hard-fought battle with cancer, she passed at home on January 14, 2026, surrounded by her devoted husband of 46 years, their three sons, daughters-in-law, and her grandchildren.

Shelly was born to Jim and Velma Gilliam of Walla Walla on August 25, 1958. After her birth and the birth of her siblings, the family moved to Union, OR. Her childhood was spent riding and getting bucked off ponies, fishing, and enjoying life at the base of the Wallowas.

At the end of elementary school, they moved back to Walla Walla and rented from the Watsons. Unbeknownst to them, that would change the course of Shelly’s life. Shortly after moving to Walla Walla, a certain 12-year-old, Greg Watson, began hanging out with Shelly’s younger brothers. That 12-year-old neighbor boy started to get on Shelly’s nerves. In typical Shelly fashion, while Greg was sitting on the fence between the two properties, Shelly shoved him off and told him, “Stay on your own side”. For the next year, they went back and forth until the summer between 7th and 8th grade. That fateful summer, something changed, and by the end of it, Shelly and Greg were inseparable. Wherever Shelly went, Greg wasn’t far behind and vice versa. He became her rock, and she became his queen. They married on April 26, 1980.

At the age of 23, Shelly gifted Greg with his first son, Greg Jr., or as she liked to call him, “Gregie.” Two years later came Luke (aka “Luigi”), and then Cody (aka “Coco”). Nicknames were a big thing in her life, and you didn’t truly belong to the family until you were given one. For the next several years, they lived happily with their three boys next door to Shelly’s parents, Jim and Velma. Shelly began working as a cook at the high school and soon became a fan favorite. She never let a student go hungry, even if they didn’t have money to pay. She enjoyed cooking and loved kids. She was full of spice, laughter, and a lot of love. She enjoyed food, laughing, fishing, the ocean, and the mountains; most of all, she loved her family, especially her husband and her boys. She never gave up on any of them, and they always knew that no matter what they did or where they went, she was always ready for them to come home.

In 1999, at the age of 17, her oldest son met a saucy Waitsburg girl at the swimming pool who was playfully given the nickname of “Snoot”. The two began dating, and by 2003, Shelly welcomed her first daughter into the family, soon after she welcomed two more daughters, Jessika and Audrey.

In 2005, her very first grandson, Gabriel, was born to Greg and Kate. Two years later came Annie, then William and Levi. Cody gifted her with a third grandson, Carson, and three weeks later, she was gifted with a fourth grandson, Jasper. A few years later, Cody and Audrey had Jimmy, Evie, and the twins, Ashton and River. Aside from her husband and sons, Shelly’s grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy. They lit up her world. Shelly was the best Grandma you could ever have asked for. She loved her grandchildren dearly and did everything in her power to make sure they knew that. She encouraged them, chastised them if they needed it, spoiled them rotten, and adored every minute of it. Shortly after her diagnosis, she said two things - first, she told her husband she loved him, and he would be ok, second, she told us to take care of her grandbabies.

In 2024, after caring for Jim and Velma until their passing, Greg and Shelly finally sold their home of 30 years and moved to a brand new home in Waitsburg, where they planned to spend the rest of their days. In Waitsburg, they enjoyed a leisurely life of fishing trips, family vacations, and, of course, grandchildren.

Shelly is survived by her husband Greg Sr.; her children: Greg and Kate, Luke and Jessika, Cody and Audrey; grandchildren: Gabriel, Annie, William, Carson, Jasper, Levi, Jimmy, Evie, Ashton and River; brother, Jim and his wife Shelley Gilliam, Mark Gilliam; her sister, Heidi Gilliam and nieces, Choici Stroe and Rachelle Gilliam. Shelly was preceded in death by Jim and Velma Gilliam and a nephew, Markie Gilliam.

The rosary and funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Mark’s in Waitsburg, WA. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by the mass at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will be held back at St. Mark’s after internment at the Waitsburg City Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Kate Watson at 509-540-8489; lodging can be found in Walla Walla or Dayton.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.