Local resident remembered for impact both in, out of classroom

Scott Holley says there could have been no better name for Patsy Myers Crouch Watts. Patsy died last week at age 82 and left a lasting impact on those who knew her through church and at Mt. Sterling Elementary, where she dedicated more than 30 years as a teacher.

Holley, senior minister at First Christian Church, said the name Patsy comes from a Latin word meaning noble.

“I think she was named properly. Patsy was one of the first people I met when I came to the church, as she was the fellowship chair at the time and planned my reception. Everything with Patsy was always done with dignity and order right down to the last detail. 

“From the way she carried herself, to the way she remembered her students, to the house that she built that I eventually bought off of her, everything was just so with Patsy. Yes, the Crouch’s nailed it when they named her. Noble was not only a good word to describe her, she lived her life that way,” Holley added.

Patsy, according to her obituary, was born Sept. 2, 1943, in Bethel to the late Rex Ragan Crouch and Ruth Myers Crouch. She was a Morehead State University graduate with a master’s in education and spent 32 years as a third grade teacher at MSE.

Jan Ray knew Patsy both as a neighbor when they both resided in the same subdivision here and through attending First Christian. Jan’s family and Patsy’s also previously frequently traveled together.

“We lived in the same neighborhood and a few of the families (in the neighborhood) would get together and go to the beach every year. We would rent a huge house. We just had great times. They were great neighbors and great friends,” Jan said.

Patsy was described as a faithful member of First Christian Church as well as a proud participant of the Daughters of the American Revolution, honoring her family’s heritage in history, her obituary said.

She was also known for legendary jam cake and talented seamstress.

Jan said Patsy was a classy lady. 

“She was funny. She was also a wonderful cook and she was a great hostess.”

Gerre Letton said she and Patsy were not only friends, but they taught together.

“Basically, she’s responsible for my first job in Montgomery County. When we moved here she was pregnant with Tricia, her oldest. When she took maternity leave, I was hired to teach her third grade class.”

Letton later moved on to teach another grade, but she and Patsy retired together. Letton even had Tricia as a student.

“She was a very caring, lovely, kind person. Just one of those you like to have around,” Letton told the Advocate. 

Letton said she remained close with Patsy and her family over the years outside of the classroom as they also worshiped together at First Christian.

Lucile Hardin said she knew Patsy for many years as she grew up in Bath County as did Hardin’s husband.

“I knew her in college. We taught in the same school system, though at different levels. She was so talented. Her home was always so well decorated. She just had a knack. Along the way, Patsy and JC were also our neighbors. We did one of our most fun cruises with the Watts and the Mahlers.”

It was when Patsy joined the DAR that Hardin said the pair’s regular time spent together increased. 

“Patsy was so loved in every circle she touched. We will all miss her kindness and that fun humor.”

Superintendent Stephanie Harris offered the following statement, “The thoughts and prayers of our entire district go out to the family and loved ones of Patsy Watts.”

In addition to Tricia, Patsy is also survived by a son, Thomas; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law; and a niece.

She was preceded in death by her husband,  Jesse “JC” Watts, two grandchildren; and a sister.

Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville is in charge of arrangements.