Susan Marie Lanphere Watts

Susan Lanphere Watts, 64, passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2024 in Gilbert, AZ. Susan lived a joyful life filled with family, special friends, spoiled dogs, as well as magical fun-filled travel adventures across the U.S. and Europe.

Susan was born on July 31, 1959 at Fort Hood, TX to Col. Robert F. and Donna Lanphere. After graduating from Baylor University she worked as a Merchandise Manager for J.C. Penney in Dallas. She married her husband, Chuck Watts in 1992, and they lived and worked in Springfield MO, Tulsa OK, and for the past 24 years, in Gilbert, AZ.

Susan had a passion for service to the communities in which she lived. She served on numerous volunteer organizations, political campaigns, and as a mentor for adult reading education. From 2006-2018 she was active with the Phoenix Art Museum Docents, serving in several leadership roles, eventually as President and as a member of the Docent Governing Board. After retirement in 2017 she returned to her childhood love of competitive swimming with the Mesa Aquatics Club Masters Program, where she remained active until her recent illness.

Susan is survived by her husband, Chuck; mother, Donna Lanphere; sister, Carol Whitley (Gary); sisters-in-law, Leslie Watts and Suzanne Martin (Jeff); step-daughter, Katie Hosier (Larry); nieces, Colby Whitley, Bailey Whitley, Haley Watts, Beth Roller (James) and Emily Martin; and, numerous step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Col. Robert F. Lanphere; and, step-son Jared Watts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. For more information, please visit www.gilbertmemorialpark.com .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.