Julia E. Watson, 78, of Colona, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline. Memorials may be made to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics – Organ Transplant Center General Fund.

Julia was born on March 23, 1948, in Hattiesburg, MS, the daughter of David and Annie (Schweis) Welch. She married Ralph Watson in 1967. Julia retired from working security for Per Mar Security Services. Julia enjoyed doing ceramics. She loved all her pets and spending time with her family.

Julia is survived by her husband, Ralph Watson; children, Paul Diffenbaugh, Michelle Watson, and Steven (Karie) Watson; grandchildren, Nick Campos, Lyric Edwards, Bryon Dawson, Michael Diffenbaugh, Caitlin Larson, Heather Dobbels, Olyvia Mosher-Watson, and Samantha Prunty; and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Ralph Watson Jr.; and sisters, Laura Lake, Annie Dillon, Mary Turner, and Martha Abbott.