Watson

It’s time to celebrate — longtime Hermiston resident Mabel Watson is turning 100 years old.

The celebration begins Thursday, Nov. 10, at Harkenrider Senior Activity Center, 225 N.E. Second St., Hermiston. The doors open at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon. The cost is $5. To RSVP for the meal, call 541-567-3582 before 10 a.m.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 37 invites people to put on their party hats and join the fun. The festivities, including cake, will follow the meal.

According to a biography provided by her daughter, Jody Bowe, Watson was born

Nov. 10, 1922, in the foothills up Buttercreek to Fred and Johanna Rauch. The fifth of 10 children, she graduated from Hermiston High School in 1941.

She married Douglas Watson, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, on Sept. 25, 1943, in Pendleton. The couple lived in “Tertle Town,” in the area which is now Victory Square Park, and for a while on Minnehaha before buying a house on West Madrona Avenue. Her husband died in 2003.

Working part-time at several stores on Main Street, the Hermiston woman was never idle. In addition to raising four children, Watson volunteered with such efforts as the American Red Cross, Good Shepherd Hospital Auxiliary and the Women’s Ambulance Corp, which hosted dances for soldiers and provided first aid training.

After participating in American Legion Auxiliary with her friend, Hildegarde Piersol, Watson finally officially joined the group at age 91. Also, as an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, she taught Sunday school, participated in the quilting group, helped with Vacation Bible School and sang in the choir. She also led a Good News Club for kids, providing inspiration, support and snacks.

Watson, along with her sister, Doris Pitzer, and several friends created the Has Been Wannabes. The popular musical group often performed at area assisted living facilities, local fraternal organizations and wherever folks invited them.

Pitzer played piano and Watson was sometimes coaxed into breaking out her harmonica. Competing several times in Hermiston’s talent show, in 2008 they placed second place in the adult division with renditions of “Mr. Sandman” and “Long Black Train.”

“They were decidedly a smash,” Bowe said.

Watson enjoys music of all genres, reading her Bible, curling up with a good book, playing Scrabble and doing crossword puzzles. She also loves spending time with her children, Nicki Heath, Darlene McClure, Fred Watson and Jody Bowe; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Bowe said Watson is looking forward to the festivities and hopes many will join them. For more information, email jodybowe126@gmail.com.