Verla Jean (Bowman) Watts, 84 year old resident of Vici, OK, passed from this life on December 25, 2017. Verla was born on December 19, 1933 to William "Bill" Roy and Eva Annis (Shaw) Bowman southwest of Vici at their farmhouse.

Verla Jean attended school at Vici Public Schools, and graduated with the class of 1952. After this, she attended college at Bethany Penial and Central State University, though she did not graduate. She was married to Thomas Thrasher in 1956, and to this union was blessed one daughter, Tanya. On April 6, 1958, Verla was baptized into the Church of Christ at Dodge City, Kansas. After her marriage ended with Thomas, Verla Jean married Harry Watts on February 14, 1976. Verla and Harry would stay married until his death on June 27, 1995, residing in Vici.

Verla and Harry enjoyed the Ham Radio Fest and would often host ham operators from all over the world that would drop in to see them, some of which were some real big shots. Verla loved to collect angels and dolls, and had accumulated a large amount within her lifetime. She liked to take roses to her ill neighbors, and she enjoyed her small garden. Verla was a member of the Vici Christian Church and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed giving out cookies and donating to church activities.

Verla Jean was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Eva Bowman; siblings Dorean Bowman, Wilmer Bowman, Hazel McAlary, Frances Valescu, Glenn Bowman, Orlin Bowman, Gerald Bowman, Eva Seely and Verla's twin brother, Vernon Bowman.

Verla Jean is survived by her daughter Tanya Pilant and husband David of Houston, TX; brother Mervin Bowman of Vici; sister Clareta Shaw of Dumas, TX; sister-in-law Travis Bowman of Harmon, OK; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends and loved ones.

Memorials may be made to the Vici Fire Department in care of Shaw Funeral Home.