A Centennial for the Ages: Ruth “Nonnie” Watt’s legacy continues to impact generations

When you hit 100 years old, it is no small feat. It means you have been doing something right, and it is also something that deserves more than just a round of applause and a slice of birthday cake. It is an occasion that deserves to be celebrated and honored, to be remembered for generations to come.

In Ruth Watt’s case, things are no different. Her steadfast presence has truly benefited her family and friends through all that she has done for them over the years. From the love she has shown them to instilling the importance of faith, family, friends and traditions, a lot of people are who they are today because of Mrs. Watt.

Nonnie has always been proud to share that she was raised in the Moravian Church in Mt. Airy, NC, and that her earliest memories are of the snow-capped Mount Pilot and Blue Ridge Mountains, the real-life Maberry in The Andy Griffith Show. “Growing up during the Great Depression made Nonnie into the creative, resourceful and persnickety person she is today.  

We would be remiss to not mention the amazing marriage Nonnie had with the love of her life, the late Edwin Glenn Watt. After getting married on March 24, 1948, at Little Church on the Lane in Charlotte, NC, they spent 67 happy years being wed to one another. Even nine years after Papa went to heaven, Nonnie still says they are still married, and that truly speaks to their committed and endearing relationship.

“Nonnie loved and adored Papa even though he would often frustrate her with his silly antics,” Ruth’s granddaughter Erin said. “They had a beautiful, Christ-centered relationship that was special to watch growing up. Papa was a kind, gentle, fun-loving grandfather with a quick wit that was often in pursuit of someone’s laughter. Whereas Nonnie has always been more prim and proper, making sure we were all well-dressed and well-behaved. They complemented each other perfectly!”

Her feistiness was the backbone of the family while Papa traveled Monday through Friday for work, and it ignited a spirit of strength and leadership in her three daughters – Susan Cable, Janice Green and Betsy Bier. These attributes have also been passed down to Nonnie’s eight grandchildren – the late Shane Green, Erin Lewis, Payton Churchwell, Betsy Norwood, Tyler Bier, Alex Bier, Nathan Bier and Anna Ellington.

“She has always been very attentive to us and particular at trying to teach us her traditions and her faith – which have become our own. On the sidelines of her grandchildren’s games, Nonnie was our biggest cheerleader.” 

Ruth Watt is a unique soul. Her consistency, persistence, and, let’s be honest, her stubbornness, have all helped her survive 100 years on this planet.

Erin shared that “as a kid, she made me do things over and over again, like memorizing the books of the Bible, sewing, ironing, and painting crafts. Anything I did was to be done well. That stick-to-itiveness was a priceless lesson.”

She loves people visiting, she loves hearing about everything her 21 great-grandchildren are doing, and she loves to tell you exactly what she thinks, even if you didn’t ask. Whether it has to do with politics, child-rearing, church, or how to clean her house, Nonnie is a force to reckon with.

“She really values relationships and communication,” Erin said. “She’s always been like that. Nonnie still loves to sit out in her carport and hold court, just like when I was a kid spending summers with her and Papa. She likes to listen and to share her wisdom. I love our long talks and am grateful to have had her influence well into my adult life.”

Ruth Watt is not your average centenarian; her spunkiness makes it hard to believe she is 100. She does not look or act it, and that speaks so thoroughly to who she is. Still to this day she is proud to share her exercise regimen – loops around the inside of her house with her walker.

Though her faith has always come first, family is a huge part of who Ruth is and it is her legacy. The best way to honor her – and Papa – will be by continuing to love and value each other as they have. The Watt family now has a rich legacy to maintain, and they know the values instilled by this woman from Mt. Airy will be passed down to the next generation.

“Thank you Nonnie for being a Godly example of love, wisdom, encouragement and unwavering support.” – Erin, TR, Catcher, Corban and Landry