Nora Darlene Watterson

Nora Darlene (Groves) Watterson passed away on September 2, 2023 at her home in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on April 9, 1960 to William and Lorene Groves in Kansas City, Kansas. She grew up in the Highland Crest area with her three brothers. She enjoyed traveling with her parents in their camper and visiting their large family. She attended school at Kansas City Christian. It was during that time that she discovered a love of reading which eventually led to writing poetry. She spent the majority of her years working in the service industry at restaurants including Shoney’s and The Village Inn. Her daughter, Rachel, quickly associated her with pie making and shamelessly used the pancake crowd to sell Girl Scout Cookies. She was active in Turner High School’s Booster Club during basketball season, was a Girl Scout Troop Leader and passed along a love of camping to her kids. In 1999, Nora moved to Washington state and remained there until 2006. Nora loved the years she spent living in the Pacific Northwest and had hopes of retiring back to the area. She adored the mountain ranges, waterfalls and misty rains surrounding North Bend. She moved back to Kansas in 2006 following a job change. Her return to the Midwest allowed her to spend more time with her grandchildren and focus on her health. She spent much of her time writing poetry before leaving the job market due to health issues. She loved cow decorations (her kids do not), scary movies and suspense thrillers (her kids agree). Quite often, her visitors would find her watching the weirdest horror movies with no idea where she’d even found it. She loved Mexican food and almost always wanted tacos. A true soda junkie, she frequently listened to lectures from her kids on drinking more water. Her eyeroll was a familiar sight to them. She’ll be remembered for her quirks, sassy attitude and chatty demeanor. She adored being a Nana and loved all her grandchildren deeply. They will miss her presence and goofy attitude more than they can express. Nora is survived by her five children (in order of appearance), Isaac Groves, Shannon (Kristen) Watterson, Sarah (Josh) Reber, Mick (Kristi) Jewett and Rachel Jewett. She was Nana to many grandchildren and several fur grandchildren. She had a long-term partner, Brad Pearce, who will miss her greatly. She is also survived by her brothers Terry (Martha) Groves, Bryan (Joan) Groves and Darrel (Jamie) Groves. She will be laid to rest at Maple Hill Cemetery. Her children have decided not to have a service since Nora had made her wishes well known to them. In lieu of flowers, her children request that people increase their gratuity for service workers. Nora worked as a waitress for the majority of her life and knew the value of a good tipper. Her family also encourages those that knew her to share their favorite memories for others to enjoy.

Tributes

Nora Darlene Watterson

April 9, 1960 - September 2, 2023