Sylvia Watters

Sylvia Ann Watters, 88, of Bethalto, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at LaBella of Alton.

She was born on September 8, 1936, in Fort Russell Township. She married Lester "Les" Watters on January 17, 1952 at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. He preceded her in death on May 21, 1917, after their 65th Wedding Anniversary.

Sylvia was a life-long homemaker. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, canning food, baking bread, quilting, cooking, and spending time at their cabin hosting family BBQs. She especially enjoyed the huge family hog roasts. Sylvia was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Bethalto Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary, Meadowbrook Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary, and Wood River Volunteer Emergency Corps Auxiliary.

Survivors include her six children, David (Kim Carroll) Watters, Nancy (Melvin) Eaker, John Watters, Gordon Watters, James (Kristy) Watters, and Jeannie Blackorby; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; and seventeen great-great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, and husband, Les, she was preceded in death by three sons, Kennith, Bill, and Dennis Watters; two daughters-in-law, Linda (Kennith) Watters and Linda (Gordon) Watters; two brothers, Richard Knocke and Melvin Knoche; and a sister, Pauline Malone.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 11 am until time of service at 12 pm, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Pastor Willard Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to The American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Association, and/or Zion Lutheran Church.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home