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Jeffrey Karl Watts

Jeffrey Karl Watts

May 4, 1957 - Jan. 13, 2023

Date of Service: Jan. 28, 2023

Watch the Webcast Service Program

MURTAUGH – Jeffrey Karl Watts died peacefully at home in Murtaugh, Idaho, on January 13, 2023, at the age of 65. Jeff was born the sixth of seven children on May 4, 1957, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Earl and Lova (Tolman) Watts. He graduated from Murtaugh High School in 1975 and attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho.

He served a mission in the Indiana Indianapolis Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During this time and through letters he met Kelli Mulkay. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1979.

Together they made Murtaugh home, where they welcomed three sons and one daughter. Jeff spent his occupational life working on the family dairy farm where he taught his family to work and love the things he loved. He worked hard and developed many lifelong relationships with neighbors and friends.

He enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter and going to local ballgames in the fall and winter. He was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and stuck with them through good times and bad. He has enjoyed reading by the fire and keeping track of grandkids through Facetime.

Jeff served in the primary, loving the children and the music. Most of his service was as the Murtaugh Ward Clerk where he diligently kept track of the coming and going of the ward and its members. He served as a senior missionary in the Twin Falls Employment Center. Jeff was a disciple of Jesus Christ and was always a missionary to others.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Kelli (Mulkay) Watts; sons, Jason (Nikell) Watts of Milo, Idaho, Robert (Malinda) Watts of Burley, Idaho, Chad (Amanda) Watts of Reno, Nevada; and daughter, Laura (Adrian) Walsh of Spanish Fork, Utah; and 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Stanford (Susan) Watts, Douglas (Cathy) Watts, Kelly (Jane) Watts; and sister, Melanie (Ken) Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lova (Tolman) Watts; and sisters, Rita Delaney and Barbara Hadlock.

Jeff climbed many physical health mountains in his life. As a family we would like to thank the many doctors and medical staff of St. Luke’s, as well as Elk’s Rehab in Boise and the St. Luke’s IRU in Twin Falls and the many dedicated therapists. We would like to send an extra special thanks for the love and support and encouragement he received from Nick Greenwell and his staff at Burley Physical Therapy and Rehab as well as the care Jeff received from Horizon Home Health and Hospice.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Murtaugh Ward, located at 23709 Hwy. 30, in Murtaugh, where family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, preceding the funeral. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/b24GRUFz8pQ.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Jeffrey Karl Watts

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Tom Thompson:
Jeff was my trainer in the mission field. We served together in Kokomo, Indiana. I will forever be grateful for what he taught me and the course he helped set for my mission.

I am saddened to learn of his passing, but know through the restored gospel he loved, all is well.
From Terry I. Holt - a Watts line cousin (and Laura Holt):
The Earl and Lova Watts home in Murtaugh always felt like a safe place to me - a home where integrity, work ethics, and principles of patience and love were shown and practiced. During my teen-life summers in Murtaugh, Jeff was my “summers-in-Murtaugh big brother". Jeff graciously, patiently, and forgivingly shared his room and 8-track stereo and tapes. He let me tag along in the Mustang he loved, bought and paid for. He taught me how to burn ditches, run a swather, muck the corral with the old Ford tractor, apply milkers, work siphon pipe, set a dam, clear furrows, catch and cook frogs (legs), make a rocket out of a soup can and firecracker, and how good tasting a cold gallon of A&W root beer and peanuts are together after softball games in Twin. Most of all, Jeff patiently taught me what a good work ethic is. Thank you, Jeff, for your example, and your kindness and patience with a troubled-hearted younger teen "brother". You blessed my life. May you enjoy God’s fullest blessings.
From Hal Page:
Sorry to hear of Jeffs passing. Yes he was a Dallas Cowboy fan thru and thru. The year that Dallas was in the Super Bowel around 1985 I brought a tv down to the barn so we could watch the game as we were milking cows.
From Kira Thurber :
Love you uncle Jeff! I will always love the memories of visiting the farm and helping feed the baby calves and watch as you milk cows. Till we meet again lots of love
From Roy:
I remember Jeff and Kelli from many many years ago, in Murtaugh. Kelli and I were Visiting Teachers together for a short time. Jeff was always so friendly and helpful. He loved his family immensely. He and Kelli were a great example of true love.
My prayers are with you Kelli, as you walk into this new season of life; guided by the Lord. Praying for all of Jeff’s family during this difficult time.
From David and Colleen Moyes:
Jeff fought so hard to regain his health with Kelli never leaving his side for four long years. We hoped he could beat this new battle . We love your family
From Lorie May:
Jeff was such a sweet friend, stopping to welcome us when we first moved into the area. He always was so positive and welcoming, even when you knew he didn't feel well. We love Kelli and admire her love and attention for her sweetheart.
From Diana Edmonds:
My condolences to the entire Watts family especially my cousin, Kelli.
From Karrie VanLeuven :
Jeff was a constant in my life. From my youth he was the dairyman and neighbor who lost his boots to our dog. He always called me by name and always had a smile for me. Jeff reminds me of the kindness that his mother Lova always showed me. As I got older and I’d see him at the school ball games, at the Hardware Store, or in his truck he always had a smile and kind words for me.
Jeff was always a safe person and place for me. A strong kind man that I will miss seeing driving around town letting us all know that life is good.
From Michele Capps:
Jeff was such a nice person. He would often stop at the school for an early morning visit and always brought me a Diet Coke. I enjoyed those visits. My thoughts are with you at this time.
From Kelly Nebeker:
Sorry to hear about Jeff's passing, great memories of the Watts family!
From Steve and Deb Pickett:
Jeff was a good friend and neighbor. He was a hard working man, dairy cattle and farming taught him those values. I liked talking with Jeff, he always had something interesting to say. Deb and I are sorry to hear of his passing. Our Deepest condolences.
From Debbie and Kirk Buckley :
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was such a gentle man. Kelli we love you and are praying for you and your family!
From Alicia Griffeth Siddoway:
Kelli, I was so sad to hear of you and your families loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From Lori Brown:
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
From Galen and Peggy Myers:
So sorry to hear this sad news! We will always remember Jeff as a hard working young man and the smile that was always on his face. He could be found in his shop working late helping to repair equipment needed for the next days work. He was a true dairyman who took pride in personally caring for his cows. Jeff will be missed in the community. Our love to Kelli and the beautiful family she and Jeff raised!
From Grant Hulse:
So many of my childhood memories include my buddy Jeff. Jeff was always kind, dependable, and a solid friend. Our freshmen year at Ricks College was so fun. Some day not so far away I plan to sit again with Jeff and swap stories and memories. Jody and my best wishes to Kelly.
From Tia Mullins :
It was a privilege and an honor to be able to work with Jeff and you Kelli. He just simply never complained when he was in our office. He taught me.. along with so many others this past 34 years….to think before I said I hurt…Anywhere!!
If I could have only met you sooner Jeff we could have worked a little more Denver Bronco in to you…I am really going to miss you Jeff. Thank You
Tia Mullins
From Jordan Robins :
It was an honor and privilege to know Jeff during our time in Murtaugh, as he was/is an honorable and good man. I offer my sincere condolences to Kelli and the entire Watts family during this time.
From Marvan Watts:
My condolences to my cousin Jeff’s family & friends May the sweet memories of him bring peace to thoughts he left behind. I only remember visiting the farm maybe once as a young child with my parents Clifford & Nella Watts and remember it to be a fun place! My love and prayers go out to you all!
From Roy Nebeker:
I’m so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Jeff and the Watts family have been such a staple in the Murtaugh community for so many years. Sending prayers to his family.
From Julie Byerly :
So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Heaven gained a great angel such a good man. My prayers are with Kelli and her family
From Charlie Watts:
So sad to hear of my cousin Jeff’s passing, I’m sorry that I never got to know better. Our family will be praying for Jeff’s family for peace and comfort during these trying times ahead. Love, Charlie & Jacque Watts
From Fidel Alcala:
Very Sorry About Jeff Passing My Deepest Condolences To Jeff’s Family
From Vonie:
Jeff was such a good guy, I remember seeing him early in the morning at the gym after he retired. He was such a fun person even that early in the day. I guess that was what he was use to, milking for all those years. Heaven has gained one of the good ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you

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