Beverly Marie (Johnson) Watt, a 66-year resident of Palm Springs died June 30, 2019 at her home surrounded by family. She was born November 12, 1922 to Albert and Esther (Hendrickson) Johnson in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Upon graduating high school in 1940, Beverly entered Wisconsin State University where she pursued an Elementary teaching credential. After World War II ended, she married her high school sweetheart, Ralph Watt on June 7, 1946. After her children were born; Michael and Sally, the family moved from Northern Wisconsin to Palm Springs in the year 1953. Beverly taught in Palm Springs Unified School District for 25 years. The majority of those years were teaching Kindergarten at Katherine Finchy Elementary School. Throughout her teaching career she was loved by her students and regarded as an outstanding instructor by parents and staff. She retired from Palm Springs Unified School District in 1978. Beverly has been an active member in many community, philanthropic and professional organizations; National Charity League, Sundialers, California Retired Teachers Association-Division 89, Palm Springs Historical Society, American Legion Women's Auxiliary, Friends of the Library, and Los Compadres Riding Club, VASA, and Kappa Kappa Iota, and Mizell Senior Center, with past membership in Desert Riders and Rubidoux Riders. Her favorite pastime was trail riding with family and friends. She has ridden in the High Sierras, the coastal ranges of San Diego and Orange counties, and throughout the Santa Rosa, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto ranges. Later in life she loved spending summers with her family at the family's mountain home in Garner Valley. Her husband, Ralph L. Watt, preceded her in death in August of 2010, after 64 years of marriage.She's survived by her son Michael (Vicki) of Landers, daughter Sally (John) of Palm Springs, and two granddaughters Kailee (Derek), and Chelsey (John), and one grandson Robert. Three step- grandchildren Eric (Jessica), Reva, Graham (Amber), and four great-grand children. Her love for family was first and foremost. She was a woman who was full of grace and loved those around her whole-heartedly. Beverly was a blessing to all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Desert Chapel Church located at 630 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264.
