Jane Marie Watson, 68, passed away at her home on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Jane was born on August 15, 1957, in Wichita, Kansas, to William and Thelma Quinlan. She graduated from Topeka West High School in 1975 and later married David Watson on August 29, 1981, in DeSoto, Missouri. Together, they spent 45 years building a loving family and creating countless cherished memories.
Jane spent much of her professional life caring for and teaching young children through various early childhood education roles. She had a gift for nurturing others and touched the lives of countless children and families throughout her career. She also spent eight years working as a pharmacy technician, where she continued to serve others with kindness and compassion.
In retirement, Jane found her greatest joy in spending time with her three beloved grandchildren. She treasured every moment she shared with Eleanor, Greyson, and Camila, who lovingly knew her as “Nanny.” Whether attending their activities, sharing special moments, or simply enjoying everyday life together, being a grandmother was the role she cherished most.
Jane was also an avid KU basketball fan and rarely missed watching a game. She loved tending to her garden and found peace and happiness among her flowers and plants.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Thelma Quinlan, and her brothers, Bob Quinlan and Jim Quinlan.
Jane is survived by her husband of 45 years, David Watson; her son, Jeremy Watson; her daughter, Jillian Watson, and son-in-law, Felipe De La Torre; her brother, Richard Quinlan and his wife, Sandy; her sister, Jill Quinlan and her husband, Kurt; her cherished grandchildren, Eleanor, Greyson, and Camila; her mother-in-law; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Jane’s kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Visitation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Jane’s memory do so by spending time with loved ones, planting something beautiful, or performing an act of kindness in her name.
Livestream the service at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/2FURTU
My deepest sympathy to you all. May God guide you thru this.
My deepest condolences to you, David, Jeremy , Jill , grandchildren and entire family. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you in your tremendous loss of Jane , she was such a loving, kind and precious soul.
Love,
Your Ky Cousin
Jan
To my sister-in-law Jane, I loved your smile, your laugh, your sweet treats and your deep love for family and friends. I will treasure your memory and keep you in my heart always. I will miss you and those big hugs whenever we said goodbye. I love you Jane ❤️ Deepest sympathy to my brother David and their children and grandchildren. I am so sorry for your loss. May your beautiful, loving memories comfort you, bring you peace and sustain you for all the rest of your days. Love you !!!
David, Jeremy, & Jill, I am so sorry for your loss. Treasure your memories. You will all be in my prayers
Dave, I m sorry for your loss. May the memories get you through the hard times.
My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time . Sending hugs, love & prayers ❤️🙏
There isn’t enough time on the planet for us to spend together. I’m so sorry that you lost so much time with your grand babies. I wish we could just say come back
You left us too soon, Jane. I will remember your laugh, your smile and your fierce and deep devotion to your family. You will be missed but never forgotten. RIP
Jane was a warm and special lady who will be missed by so many not just her family. Love and prayers to her family
My deepest sympathies Jill. I hope you have a great gathering with lots of love and memories shared. Peace to you and your family.
We are deeply sorry for your loss, David, Jeremy, and Jill. Jane was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. We love you all very much.
Prayers for the family of Jane. She was a brave, fighting for life person. She will be missed by all her family and friends. We shared good times growing up in the Quinlan family. Many memories.