Samantha Susan Watnes

Samantha Susan Watnes, 53, of Medford, Oregon passed away on February 5, 2017 in Taylorsville, UT.

Samantha was born in Medford, Oregon to Ron and Joan Ricketts on August 7, 1963.  She went to school at Medford High School.  She married David Watnes on October 29, 1988 in Park City, UT.  She worked at several companies over her years; First Security Bank, State of Utah to name a few, but cherished her experience at Juan Diego 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 More, Catholic Community Services, the Nigerian refugee program, the 2002 Olympic games, 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 to 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 (UofU, Notre Dame, U of Oregon), Pro-basketball (Utah Jazz), and Pro-football (Green Bay, Denver).

Samantha is 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), Matt Ricketts (Desiree) her sisters Mary Seifert (John), Clare Jaramillo (John) ; 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. 

A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, SLC, UT from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Please use complimentary valet parking on the North side of the building. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 16, 2017 at St. Thomas More Church, 3015 E Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, UT  at 11:00 am.   Burial to follow at St. Calvary Cemetery 275 U Street, SLC, UT at 2:00 PM.