Joseph Montgomery Watts, age 54, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, in Spokane, Washington, surrounded by loved ones.

Born October 8, 1970, in Iowa, Joseph moved to Spokane, Washington, as a young man and spent most of his life surrounded by the forests, rivers, and mountains of the Pacific Northwest a place he came to cherish deeply. He was the kind of man who found beauty in small, quiet moments: a well-cast fishing line at dawn, the perfect cup of coffee on a rainy morning, or a spontaneous drive through the countryside with the windows down and classic rock on the radio.

Joseph was an avid outdoorsman and could often be found hiking local trails, camping beneath the stars, or tending his vegetable garden. He loved sharing stories around the fire, and his easy laugh was as warm as the sun on a summer afternoon. Friends and family remember his generosity, his stubborn streak, and his deep loyalty to those he cared about.

He had a talent for woodworking, creating pieces that found homes with friends and neighbors, and was always willing to lend a helping hand whether fixing a leaky faucet or volunteering at community events. Joseph also had a lifelong love of books, especially mysteries and history, and rarely ended a day without a novel in hand.

Joseph is survived by his beloved children; Ethan Watts, Eli Watts, and Elizabeth Watts, his  sisters, Janet Osterhoudt and Dianna Watts; his nephew, Gabriel Biehl; and his nieces, Juli Crew and Jade Buchacher, who will forever treasure his memory and the countless adventures they shared. He also leaves behind a circle of friends who became family over the years.

A private service will be held on June 3, 2025, to honor Joseph’s life. His family invites those who knew him to remember him in their own way by sharing a favorite story, taking a walk in nature, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joseph’s name to the American Cancer Society, a cause close to their hearts. Joseph fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and challenging cancers to treat. The American Cancer Society funds vital research, patient support programs, and advocacy efforts, all aimed at finding better treatments and, one day, a cure for cancers like the one Joseph bravely faced. Your donation will help support patients and families, advance lifesaving research, and bring hope to those affected by cancer.

Joseph will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and the gentle strength he brought to the world. He will be dearly missed.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/joseph-biehl/obituary/

Copy