Mary Ross

Peggy Watson Ross, age 79, passed away on December 21, 2021 in Austin, Texas where she had been living for the past seven years. Previously, she had lived in Abilene for almost 25 years. Peggy, a fourth-generation Texan, was born on September 27, 1942, at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas to Chuck and Elaine Brunnemann Watson. She was the granddaughter of Hugh and Annabelle McNatt Brunnemann. For much of her early years, Peggy lived in Germany, first in Bamberg and then in Giessen, where her father was stationed in the US Army. She attended Frankfurt International High School but graduated in 1960 from Irvin High School in El Paso, Texas when her father was stationed at Fort Bliss. Peggy attended Texas Western College (now the University of Texas at El Paso). She majored in Sociology but spent much of her time playing Bridge in the Chi Omega chapter house. Peggy was a through-and-through Air Force spouse for more than 30 years, stationed in Okinawa; the Philippines; Little Rock AFB, Arkansas; RAF Bentwaters-Woodbridge in the United Kingdom; Griffiss AFB, New York; McGuire AFB, New Jersey; and Dyess AFB, Abilene (twice). Peggy was a career Federal civil servant, beginning her career at RAF Bentwaters in 1980 and retiring in 2012 at Dyess AFB. Of all the varied jobs she had, by far the most meaningful was her work at Dyess AFB. She worked as the CHAMPUS liaison at the Dyess hospital, helping hundreds of airmen and their families navigate the military healthcare system. But the job she was most proud of was at Dyess's Family Support Center. While there, Peggy was integral to establishing the Transition Assistance Program which helps military members transition to civilian life. She also ran programs for military spouses newly stationed to Abilene. She developed many lasting relationships between Dyess AFB and community groups in the Big Country that facilitated programs which supported her Air Force family. She is survived by her son, Chuck Ross and partner Brian Hencey of Austin, Texas; her daughter Kelly Ross Salzman and son-in-law Todd Salzman of O'Fallon, Illinois; and two grandchildren, Jadyn Salzman and Jared Salzman of O'Fallon. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Susan Watson Hill and husband Mike Hill of Plano, Texas and most favorite nephew and niece Brian Hill of Los Angeles, California and Sarah Hill Callis and husband Dan of Minot, North Dakota and grandnieces June and Ruby Callis. Interment is at Oak Hill Cemetery, Flatonia, Texas. She touched so many lives. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.smithfuneralhomeflatonia.com for the Ross family. Smith Funeral Home - 128 East 5th Street, Flatonia, Tx 78941 Phone #361-865-3311
FAMILY Charles T. Watson Father Elaine Brunnemann Watson Mother Chuck Ross. (Brian Hencey) Son Kelly Ross Salzman (Todd Salzman) Daughter Jadyn Salzman Grandchild Jared Salzman Grandchild Susan Watson Hill (Mike Hill) Sister Brian Hill Nephew Sarah Hill Callis (Dan) Niece June Callis Grandniece Ruby Callis Grandniece
Private Graveside Service Tuesday, December 28, 2021