Mabel was born the daughter of Philip and Mary Livezey Barnhart on November 9, 1913, near Searsboro, Iowa. She was raised on the family farm near Searsboro and attended Searsboro schools. She graduated with the Searsboro High School Class of 1931. Mabel was united in marriage to Joe Henry Watson on July 14, 1933, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. To this union four children were born, Katherine, Dennis, Karen and Douglas. The couple farmed near Searsboro and Mabel was a homemaker. She then was employed at DeLong's Sportswear in Grinnell as a seamstress from 1952 until 1978. Mabel was a member of the Grinnell American Legion Auxiliary. She held a strong love for her family and often looked forward to family gatherings. Mabel's enjoyments included gardening, watching the birds, and traveling to Texas during the Iowa winter months, and was well known for her cooking and her homemade pies. Mabel is survived by her children, Katherine (Charles) Arment of Grinnell, Iowa, Dennis Watson of Rochester, Minnesota, and Douglas (Carol) Watson of North Liberty, Iowa; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 2 brothers, Merril Barnhart of Portland, Oregon, and Duane (Elaine) of Sequim, Washington; and several nieces and nephews. Mabel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Joe on September 20, 1973; her daughter Karen on January 28, 1972; a grandson in infancy; and her sisters, Glema Kasheimer and Lola Barnhart. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mabel M. Watson Memorial Fund to benefit organizations of the family's choice.