Joyce Elaine Watters (Sanders)

Joyce Elaine Watters (Sanders), 78, of Mountain View, MO, lovingly known as Elaine to her friends and family, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri. Born on August 17, 1947, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Silas and Florene (Prewett) Sanders, Elaine's early years were spent in the scenic landscapes of the West before her family’s journey led them to San Jose, California, where she graduated from Andrew P. Hill High School. 

On July 10, 1965, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Philip O. Watters. Together they welcomed two children, Philip Wayne and Joyce Gail. After Philip's service in the Navy concluded, the family established their home in a lake community of Brighton, Michigan. Elaine embraced her role as a homemaker with grace and dedication, finding immense joy in raising their children and ultimately as caretaker for her husband following his early retirement due to injury. The family eventually returned to Missouri, settling in Birch Tree to be closer to her relatives. It was here that Elaine's caring nature flourished. Her compassionate spirit extended to the community when she opened her home daycare, caring for many of her relatives' children, touching the lives of multiple generations within her family, in addition to others she would know and follow for her lifetime. Elaine's nurturing heart found its calling. Elaine, affectionately known as "Aunt Laine," will be remembered for the immense pride she had in raising and preparing the young ones for life's journey with love and invaluable life lessons. Her impact on those she cared for was profound and will be felt for years to come. 

In her personal time, Elaine's gentle heart found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her love of Teddy Bears began with her husband’s nickname for her of “his teddy bear” and her expansive collection was a testament to her love for these comforting and cute companions in all shapes and styles. Her hands were rarely idle, she was a gifted crocheter, creating cherished keepsakes for her family over the years. Elaine's love for Christmastime was infectious, and she reveled in the warmth and joy that the season brought to her home and family. She delighted in reading, her home was always filled with books of all kinds, and she shared readily with anyone she could talk into joining her in a novel. She read so much and shared books so often, that after getting half-way through a book she had previously read one too many times, she started writing her initials, EW, inside the front cover; which will be a fond memory for her family as they share her library for years to come. 

Following Philip's passing in 2010, Elaine retired from her caregiving role, enjoying her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending time with her family and traveling with her sisters. Her legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her. 

Elaine is survived by her loving son, Philip Watters and wife, Tracy of Sullivan, MO; four grandchildren: Eric Pelate of West Plains, MO, Dalton Pelate of Wesley Chapel, FL, Derek Watters and wife, Elizabeth of Sullivan, MO, Logan Watters and wife, Alyssa of Springfield, MO; three great grandchildren: Raelynn Watters, Chance Hathman, & Sedona Watters; two sisters: Shirley Carpenter of Show Low, AZ, and Laveta Kay “Katy” Shields and husband, Marvel of Birch Tree, MO; two brothers, Larry Sanders of Jasper, AL, and Randy Sanders of West Plains, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip; her daughter, Joyce Pelate; her parents, Silas and Florene Sanders; two brothers, Winifred Sanders (and wife Jeanette) and Lowell Sanders (and wife Sherrie); and an infant sister, Betty Sanders. 

A private family gathering will be planned for a later date and her ashes laid to rest alongside her husband’s at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Winona, MO. 

Friends may send their online condolences to Elaine’s family at www.eatonfuneral-home.com. 

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, MO.