Lorena Belle Watson

In Loving Memory

Lorena Belle Watson

Lorena was born to Alvin and Ada Vanhorn on April 9, 1939 in York, Nebraska. She passed gently on February 15, 2026 in Spokane, Washington surrounded by family.

Lorena married her sweetheart, Leonard Merritt Watson in 1959. He had been an army buddy of her brother, Victor Vanhorn during the Korean War. Leonard was tragically killed that same year in a logging accident.

Lorena really treasured Jesus and her family. Her daughter and grandchildren brought her much joy, and she passed her strong faith in Jesus Christ on to them. Lorena was a hard worker who also enjoyed landscaping, shopping, vacations to the Oregon Coast, and cooking pancake breakfasts for the grandkids. Lorena had several close loyal friends from church that have helped her and prayed for her over the years.

Lorena was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, and her parents. She is survived by her brother Victor Vanhorn; her daughter, Jewell Stange and her husband Jason; grandchildren, Michael Thompson (McKenzie) Dr. Garrett Thompson (Victoria), Zachary Thompson (Nikki and son Leo), David Thompson III (Summer), Rachel Thompson, Destiny Tuininga (children: Seamus, Liza, Adelyn & Levi) and more great grandchildren on the way this year; and 5 nieces and nephews; as well as numerous extended relatives.

A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026 beginning at 12:00 noon with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, Washington. Lorena will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Colville following the funeral. Please visit the online memorial website and sign her guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com