Arcelia R. Watson

Arcelia R. Watson, 97, of Rankin, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Heritage Health: Therapy & Senior Care in Hoopeston. Arcelia was born on September 5, 1928, in Fountain Creek Township, the daughter of Elmer and Anna (Drayer) Hari. She is survived by her two children, Dennis (Karla) Watson and Susan (Mike Ishmiel) Allen; one sister, Karen (Todd) Feller; one sister-in-law, Betty Hari; five grandchildren, A.J. Watson, Brian Watson, Samantha Watson, Katie Harper, and Logan Allen; and nine great-grandchildren, Vivienne Watson, Macy Watson, Lola Watson, Lincoln Watson, Houston Watson, Lily Furney, Daisy Furney, Jett Harper, and Locklynn Harper. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Alberta Germann and Thelma Webster; two brothers, Eldon Hari and Dennis Hari; and three special friends, Marilyn McDevitt, Louise Templeton, and Lucille Symmonds. Arcelia dedicated her life to education, spending 54 years as a school teacher. She began her career teaching for six years in East Lynn before continuing the next 48 years with the Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District, where she taught seventh and eighth grade Language Arts. Teaching was truly her passion, and Arcelia often said that her students gave her more than she ever gave them. Outside of the classroom, Arcelia lived a full and adventurous life. She found great joy in sports and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, Fighting Illini basketball fan, and IndyCar enthusiast. Her love for racing began early, and she attended her first IndyCar race in 1956. She also had a special love for Camaros and proudly owned many throughout her life. Arcelia was a familiar face at the Assembly Hall, now known as the State Farm Center, where she served as an usher for over 25 years. A true world traveler, Arcelia loved exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. One of her favorite memories was walking the Great Wall of China, an experience she always thought was truly remarkable. Arcelia was also a published author of two books, With Love: My Memoir and Looking Back Fifty-Four Years. Writing and sharing her memories were accomplishments she held close to her heart and something of which she was very proud. Arcelia believed in making the most of every moment and would often say, “It is not my age that defines me; it is what I do with my life.” A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Paxton. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rankin Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Heritage Health: Therapy & Senior Care in Hoopeston.

Arcelia R. Watson

September 5, 1928 - June 5, 2026