Estella "Toots" Watt

Estella Belle "Toots" Watt, age 97, of Garnett, Kansas, embraced her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Parkview Heights in Garnett.

Toots entered this world on March 30, 1926, in rural Kirk, Colorado. She was the youngest of 4 children born to Eben Moon Coleman and Pearl Estella (Chrisman) Coleman. At the age of 2, her family moved to Garnett, Kansas. Toots grew up during the years of the Great Depression, and times were hard, but she spent those years within a loving and happy family. Her tales of the struggles of her and other families within the community were always offset by her tales of great fun and adventure.

Toots graduated from Garnett High School with the class of 1944. She left Garnett at that time to live and work in downtown Kansas City while sharing an apartment with her friend and former classmate, Hodge, also from Garnett. They lived near the Plaza, and Toots worked as a secretary. She would often ride the train home to Garnett to see her family on the weekends. On one of those trips home, Toots was asked out by her husband-to-be. John M. Watt had been a friend of Toots' brothers while she was growing up, and she always said that she had never thought of him romantically, but John had been away, stationed in the Philippines for three years during WWII, and was now home and attending Ottawa University. Toots and John began dating, and were soon married on August 17, 1947 at the First Baptist Church in Garnett, Kansas.

Toots worked while John attended school in Ottawa. She and John then moved to St. Louis, where John had been accepted to Washington University School of Dentistry. Their first child was born while living in St. Louis. Toots and John returned to Garnett, where they made their home, upon John's completion of his education. Over the years, Toots worked as a secretary, as fill-in help at her husband's dental office, and at the Garnett Chamber of Commerce. Her primary job throughout the years, however, was that of a homemaker. She excelled in making her house a home that all felt welcome in.

John passed away suddenly on March 1, 1982; however, Toots was fortunate to find love again, and she often remarked to her children that she was "very lucky to have two good men in her life." Toots was married to Lt. Col. Robert E. Boots, (Ret.) on August 10, 1985 at their home in Garnett. Toots and Bob spent many good years golfing, traveling, gardening, serving Meals on Wheels, and spending time with their family. They were a great influence to their children and grandchildren and were both tirelessly available to their family for advice, support, babysitting, and companionship.

Toots and Bob were active in the First United Methodist Church of Garnett and devoted many hours there. Toots enjoyed singing in the church choir in later years. Bob passed away September 15, 2015 after a brief illness. Toots remained active and could often be seen walking on the Rail Trail. She was diagnosed with dementia in later years, but she kept active and informed for as long as she was able. She was an inspiration to those that knew her well. Toots moved to Parkview Heights in March of 2022, where she was loved and cared for by their kind and capable staff until she was released from her earthly bonds.

Toots was preceded in death by her husbands, John Melvin Watt and Robert E. Boots; her parents; two brothers, Eben (Bus) Coleman and Lee Coleman; her sister, Idelle Fox; and a granddaughter, Sarah (Katie) Watt.

Between Toots' children and Bob's children, she is survived by John (Susan) Watt of Wamego, KS; Julie McNall of Lawrence, KS; Beth Anderson of Garnett; Mary Koch (Dennis Hastert) of Garnett; Mike (Cheryl) Boots of Wyndham, NH; Mark (Cathy) Boots of N. Richland Hills, TX; Elisa (Mike) Mullins of Meriden, KS; 18 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren.

It is impossible to put into these few paragraphs the value of Toots' well-lived life. She has impacted many for the better. Rest easy, Mom/Grammy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Garnett First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Toots' family will greet friends at 9:00AM prior to the funeral service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Garnett First United Methodist Church and left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com