Ina Leone Watts

Ina Leone Watts, 86, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021, at Rock Creek of Ottawa. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 8, 2021, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona. Leone was born June 26, 1934 in Saline County, Missouri, the daughter of R. Kenneth Cordle and Ina V. (Willis) Cordle. She was a long-time resident of Ottawa moving here in 1951 from Wellsville. After graduating from Wellsville High School with the class of 1951, she was employed at the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Ottawa where she met her first husband, David Bettge. They married in May 1953, together having 5 children. They were later divorced. Leone owned and operated the Mode O’Day store in downtown Ottawa from 1976 to 1982, was active with the Sweet Adeline’s Group, member of the Union Chapter No. 15, Order of the Eastern Star, and an active member of the North Baptist Church. Leone later married Arlie Keith Watts, Sr., July 18,1982 at Ottawa, Kansas. He survives of the home. Leone and her husband operated Watts Auction Barn and Watts Bulk Transportation for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Shirley K. Cordle; brother, Lyle Cordle; sisters-in-law, Glacia (Rhodes) Cordle and Virginia (Laws) Cordle; grandson, Joshua Eads; great granddaughter, Haylei Bell; and son-in-law, Dennis Eads. Survivors include combined families, Debbie Mallicoat-Dover (Ray Dover), Kenny Bettge (Debbie), Christopher Bettge (Cyndi), Roger Bettge (Jeri Kiefer), Teresa Eads, Linda Roecker (Robert), Arlie Keith Watts Jr., (Lisa), Monica Finch, Alan Watts, Amy Shoemaker (Brad), and Eric Watts; 30 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; brothers, Claron Cordle, and Darrell Cordle (Ester); and many nieces and nephews from across the United States. Leone enjoyed singing, playing the piano, shopping, and socializing. She also loved traveling and spending time with her family and grandchildren. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Leone’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com