Obituary of Alice Watts

Alice “Di” (Butler) Watts 82, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2021, surrounded by her family. Di was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 19, 1938. She married Dave Watts on November 16, 1957, and they began building a family that remained her constant focus throughout her life. In July 1969, they moved to Tampa, FL and made it their home.

For 16 years she worked for Kemper Insurance as a Medical Analyst. She enjoyed reading, shopping, traveling, and spending time at the beach or relaxing by her pool.  She was a true Tampa sports fan and always supported the Buccaneers, Rays, and Lightning. 

Her true purpose in life was caring for her family. From driving them to their many practices and games and being there to cheer for them, there was rarely an event that she and Dave did not attend.

She made the best “sweet tea” and was also an excellent cook.  Her chicken and yellow rice and lemon cake were always a family favorite.

In recent years, she spent most of her time loving on her grandchildren and great grandchildren and keeping up with their many activities. Of all the roles she played in life, Grandma was the one she treasured the most and was most proud of.

Di was a long-time parishioner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic Minister.  

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Catherine Butler and brothers John and Michael Butler. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dave Watts, her daughter Cathy Eichmann (Bill), son David Watts (Kristi) and son John Watts (Francine), grandchildren Matthew Eichmann (Danielle), Amanda Sanz (Derek), Andrew Watts, Evan Watts, Charlie Watts and Alexis Watts and great grandchildren, Ava Eichmann, Emily Eichmann, and Anthony Sanz, her brother Bob Butler and her sister Robin Ashwell.

There will be a visitation and service on Thursday July 1, 2021, from 6pm – 8pm at the Florida Mortuary Funeral Home, 4601 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. A private family service will be held at Bushnell National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of her to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation- please see link:

https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/DiWatts