Born February 11, 1917, died January 17, 2011.

Margaret was born into the loving family of Cecil and Gladys Morse, joining her sister Catherine Etta.

Margaret attended and graduated from Bellingham Public Schools, entered Bellingham Normal School (now WWU) at age 16, then transferred to and graduated from Stanford University with a BA and masters degree in English literature and a teaching credential.

She returned to Bellingham and taught high school English and journalism and was an active member of the Methodist Church.

Margaret married Dr. Arthur B. Watts in 1949, and settled into her favorite career of homemaking and child rearing. She and Arthur had four children and also opened their home to other young people by providing room and board to several WWU and foreign exchange students as well as medical students working with Arthur.

Margaret was a fantastic cook and hostess, loved travel, summers on Orcas Island, reading and knitting. She was a member of the Monday Club, supported the Whatcom Symphony and the Whatcom Museum.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Arthur; her son Arthur Belden; her parents; and sister. Survivors include her daughter Ellen (Paul) Lodine; daughter-in-law Marilyn; son William (Sarah); daughter Emily (Rick) Tidball; 10 grandchildren; her cousin Elizabeth Rank and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 at Moles-Bayview Chapel in Bellingham. Memorial donations may be made to San Juan Preservation Trust, Whatcom Symphony or Whatcom Museum.

Submitted by Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bayview Chapel.