Samantha Susan Watnes

Friday, Feb. 24, 2017

Samantha Susan Watnes

Aug. 7, 1963 – Feb. 5, 2017

Samantha Susan Watnes, 53, of Medford, Ore. passed away on Feb. 5, 2017 in Taylorsville, Utah.

Samantha was born in Medford, Ore. to Ron and Joan Ricketts on Aug. 7, 1963.  She went to school at Medford High School. She married David Watnes on Oct. 29, 1988 in Park City. She worked at several companies over the years: First Security Bank, State of Utah, to name a few, but cherished her experience at Juan Diego Catholic High School as a librarian assistant, where she made many friends.  

When she wasn’t working, she spent most of her adult life volunteering, giving to others and loving her children. She was easy to recruit for the right cause, and spent significant time volunteering for St. Thomas Moore Parish, Catholic Community Services, the Nigerian refugee program, the 2002 Olympic Games, the Skaggs Catholic Center, and giving blood to the American Red Cross.   

She was an avid outdoor person who loved to ski, camp, ride horses, swim, fish, golf, scuba and play tennis. She was happiest when she was outside. She rode her bike across Europe as a young adult. Fitness was big for her as well; she loved to bike and participate in fun runs. She also liked to watch sports. She was an avid fan of most sports, and loved to watch NASCAR (Carl Edwards), bull riding, X-Games, Tour de France, tennis, college football (University of Utah, Notre Dame, University of Oregon), professional basketball (Utah Jazz) and professional football (Green Bay, Denver).

Samantha was preceded in death by her father, Ron Ricketts. She is survived by her spouse, David; children Joshua and Kelsey; her brothers Mike Ricketts (Gina), Kevin Ricketts (Theresa) and Matt Ricketts (Desiree); her sisters Mary Siefert (John), Clare Jaramillo (John); and her mother Joan Hornecker. 

Samantha was a very passionate person, always thinking and caring about others.  In this spirit, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the St. Thomas Moore Community Outreach Program or Catholic Community Services in her name. 

Funeral services were held Feb. 16 at St. Thomas Moore Church.