It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Peggy Ann Watson, age 69, who left us peacefully on March 21, 2024.

Peggy was known for her kind and gentle spirit. So often complete strangers and children and even a spider monkey once, were charmed by her approachability and capacity for loving and accepting everyone she met. She brought a level of integrity and fortitude to her work as a police officer and ultimately as the first female Deputy US Marshal of Florida, that paved the way for other young women to pursue their goals in law enforcement. She met her husband in the Auxiliary Police Force in Springfield, Illinois. That was the beginning of an accomplished career that eventually led her from patrolling with the Springfield Park District Police as Street Sergeant to patrolling the Looe Key National Sanctuary and the Twelve Mile Reef for NOAA. She loved her life in paradise in the Florida Keys Islands and commanded her racing sea vessel guided everyday by dolphins to and from the reef. She moved to Kansas with her husband and young daughter in 1997 after being adopted into the Southern Cheyenne tribe and fell in love with the beautiful scenery and people of Barber County. She spent the rest of her life in her home in The Grove for nearly thirty years.

Born in Springfield, Illinois to John Harold Scattergood and Dulce Emmons Scattergood that preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Clyde Watson of Medicine Lodge, KS. An elder brother, John Scattergood of Centralia, Illinois. Her daughters Amanda Watson Fekany of Winter Park, Florida, Heather Traynham of Florida and Katherine Watson (Wortman) of Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Her eight grandchildren Kennedy and Addison Fekany, Alex and Abby Traynham, Michael and Eddie Castaneda, Chance Schwerdtfeger and Lily Watson.

She also leaves behind many beloved friends and her cat Brat who stayed by her side right till the very end. In the end, she passed away the same way she lived her life, on her own terms. At home, peacefully, with her loved ones around her. Her daughter Katie was Thankful to spend the last few years as her constant companion and full time caregiver. And her grandchildren were blessed to have their grandmother as a loving daily presence as she was present from the moment of their births and even cut their umbilical cords.  She was the strength and grace at the core of our close knit family and she will be truly missed.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery in Medicine Lodge on May the 4th at 10:30AM presided by Father Emmanuel Kosikumah.

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