Sally Rae Watts, age 86, of Warsaw, Missouri, formerly of Kansas City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.
She was born on April 12, 1939, in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of the late Aubrey Lee and Alice Marie (Engelmann) Stiles. Sally graduated from high school in 1957, and that same summer she met the love of her life, Clif Watts. The couple was united in marriage on November 3, 1957, in Dillon, South Carolina. Following their marriage, they made their home in Kansas City, Missouri, where Sally was a homemaker. In 1998, they retired to Warsaw.
Sally was an accomplished, self-taught painter with a lifelong passion for the arts. She found great joy in sharing her talents with her beloved painting groups, The Dam Painters and the Ladies in the Basement. Her artistic journey took her to painting conventions in Ohio and Oklahoma City. She also taught painting classes and shared her love of art with many others. Her work received notable recognition, including pieces displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and Christmas ornaments featured at the White House on two occasions during the 1990s.
She was a proud member of the Benton County Elks Lodge #2783.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Richard Stiles; a niece, Sharon Huffmaster; and five nephews, Steve Stiles, Todd Stiles, Joel Stiles, Fred Watts, and Rick Watts.
Sally is survived by her nephews, Ben Stiles and Jon Stiles; and Walt Watts, Carl Watts, Steve Watts, and Darryl Watts; one niece, Barb Melcher; a sister-in-law, Deloris Stiles; along with many great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of dear friends.
Funeral services for Sally Rae Watts will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at Reser Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Graveside services and interment will follow at Concord Cemetery in Fristoe, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to Concord Cemetery, c/o Reser Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, Warsaw, Missouri 65355.
