Our beautiful, fun loving, spirted and independent sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother Louise Maxine Short Watson Sims was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on January 19, 2020 in Great Falls, Montana. “She didn’t get that red hair for nothing”, and she was redheaded from the day she was born to Max and Ethel Short on June 6, 1924, in Forsyth, Montana. Louise attended grade school and high school, graduating at the top of her class from Colstrip High School. She married her high school sweetheart, James Watson, in 1943 and the couple welcomed three children; James (Jim), Nina and Linda. James worked the mines in Colstrip until 1952, when he and Louise purchased a farm in the Hammond Valley. James passed away in 1958 and Louise independently raised her three children following them throughout their various activities. A deeply faithful woman, Louise was an active member of the Presbyterian church and was involved with Eastern Star, “Cowbelles”, the Red Hat and Golden Girls, just to name a few. Any free time she had, she spent taking care of her “posies” and garden. After her children were on their own, Louise married J.W. Sims in 1965. She served as the Rosebud County Treasurer for 20 years, and retired to pursue a career as a realtor when J.W. passed away. Widowed once again, Louise embraced retirement fully; following her adventurous spirit she traveled the world, visiting Jerusalem, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Hawaii and took many stateside trips with her sisters, family and friends. One of her favorite pastimes was to play cards, expressing her competitive spirit in a good-natured way until she wasn’t winning. Former Governor Marc Racicot named her the Senior Citizen of the Year for the State of Montana, for her service to her community and state. She gardened well into her 80’s. She continued to live in Forsyth until the summer of 2019 when she moved to Great Falls to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.
Louise was welcomed to Heaven by her parents; husband, James Watson; husband J.W. Sims; siblings Marie Smith and Jerald Short; son Jim Watson, Jr.; son-in-law, Jerry Hoyer; and grandson, Andrew Hansen. She is survived by her sister, Josephine Falcon of Bonney Lake, WA; daughter, Nina Hoyer of Belt, MT; daughter, Linda Hansen of Silver Springs, NV; 3 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 6 great- great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In life, Louise took care of us all. A woman of unshakable faith and belief in family, she will continue to make us better people. We cannot stop seeing the smile on your face, twinkle in your eye and hearing the sound of your voice lifted in praise. Until we meet again our beautiful, redheaded angel.
A very special thank you to all Louise’s family and friends, especially Dan and Rita Watson, for all their love and care for Louise through the years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Federated Church in Forsyth, or a charitable organization of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sunday January 26, 2020
Stevenson & Sons
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Monday January 27, 2020
Forsyth Federated Church
1180 Cedar St
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sunday January 26, 2020
Stevenson & Sons
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Monday January 27, 2020
Forsyth Federated Church
1180 Cedar St
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Laura Jane says
Louise was a very special lady! Loved her!
sharon cope says
Louise was a very special lady. Prayers to all of the family.
Penni Johnson Berg says
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Prayers for all of your family.
Rose Marie Mason says
Aunt Louise was one of my very favorite people. She was always there for me. She will be missed. Loved her so much.
Marlene Newman Rule says
Nina and Linda, So sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Remember all the fun we used to have on Hammond Valley from riding our horses all over and swimming in the big irrigation ditch! You have great memories! Prayers for your family.
Debby Beals Beartusk says
Louise was a special lady and I got to know her more over the years attending the Golden Girls Luncheons. I looked forward to seeing her and Marie each time I attended. They knew my Grandmother that raised me, Signe Rye, from Colstrip and we shared many stories of the early years in Colstrip. So many good memories. My condolences to her family and hope your memories comfort you at this sad time.
Owen Cartwright says
Nina and Linda, I am very sorry for your mothers passing . I am not going to make it to the funeral but my thoughts will be with you and your families.
Sharon Lincoln says
Louise was my friend and mentor. She was great to work with and a stickler for perfection in the Treasurer’s office. Louise also had a great sense of humor. I learned so much from her in and out of the office. She absolutely loved playing pinochle and I am sure, she has gathered a foursome in heaven.
Joe & Carolyn Wilson says
A truly lovely lady who will not be forgotten. Always a smile when she met you, sincere, and fun to talk with. I remember she always had carnations for the mothers attending church on Mother’s Day, every year. My condolences to all her family on the loss of a memorable person.
M G says
My condolences to all of you during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy. Take time to grieve and find comfort in knowing that God is near all those calling on Him. ( Psalms 145 : 18 )