Gretchen E Watt

Gretchen Elizabeth Carnes Watt was surrounded by her family as she passed peacefully on January 21, 2024. She tirelessly fought metastatic colon cancer for over four years. She was known to many by her generous spirit, her steadfast loyalty, and her deep love for her friends and family.  She had the ability to light up a room and capture those in it with simply a smile.  If you knew her, you fell in love with her. She brought a bounty of beauty to everything she did…with her music, her smile, and her unbounded love for others.   

She is survived by her parents, David and Linda Carnes of Springdale, AR. She leaves a legacy of love through her children, Ethan Hare and his wife Emmye of Fayetteville, AR and Connor Hare of Springdale, AR, and their father, Christopher Hare of Hot Springs, AR; Meredith Watt, Owen Watt, and Eliza Watt of Springdale, AR and their father Brian Watt of Springdale, AR.  She is also survived by her sister, Laura Dietrich and her husband Charles Dietrich of Bentonville, AR and their children, Carmen Dietrich, Gretta Dietrich, and Henry Dietrich. Also, her uncle Brian Strachan and wife Tammy of Siloam Springs, AR and many cousins and family members.

Gretchen joins her grandparents W.L  and Maxine Carnes,  Samuel and Velma Strachan, Aunt, Jeanie Strachan, and Uncles,  Stephen Strachan and Larry Carnes in heaven.

Gretchen was born on March 13, 1973 in Fayetteville, AR. She arrived as the most beautiful dark haired little bundle and immediately had the family wrapped around her finger. That worked well for her as she liked taking charge and keeping everyone in line.  She liked playing “school” with her sister, Laura, but only if she got to be the teacher.  She must have known then that she was meant to teach.  As she grew it was apparent early on that Gretchen was going to be extraordinarily gifted.  Her talent for music and singing were continuously fostered by her parents and family. She sang her first solo in church with her Dad at the age of five and began her lifelong love of music. She started piano lessons in the first grade and was a very accomplished pianist. Throughout school she found success in all her musical endeavors and was a part of both Central Jr. High and Springdale High School band programs where she was an All Region and All-State percussionist.  She met her lifelong mentor, Geneva Powers, in 7th grade choir and began her journey to become a choral director.  Even though singing came easily to Gretchen, she was a perfectionist and practiced tirelessly to be the best.  She accomplished her goals in both All-Region and All-State Choir, often receiving 1st chair.  Her strong work ethic continued through college at John Brown University and the University of Arkansas where she completed her degree in music education.  After she graduated from college she began her career by becoming the Assistant Choral Director for South West Jr High, under Rhonda Hawley, and Central Jr High, under Geneva Powers.  Working with Geneva was like coming home for Gretchen and she eventually became the Director of Choral Music there staying for 26 years.  Saying she thrived in the choir room is an understatement.  It was like an extension of everything she was.  She loved music so much and loved being able to share that with her students.  So many have shared that without her, they would not have made it through Jr. High.  She made time to form connections with her students and allowed them to feel seen and heard by her.  So many have chosen to make music their life’s work because of her.  Her students meant the world to her.  Outside of her time in the classroom, Gretchen used her talents to make music elsewhere by  becoming the SWACDA R&R Chair for Middle School/Jr. High, Director of the ACO Children’s Choir, singing with both the ACO Chorus and The SONA Singers, and teaching numerous piano and voice students.  Her love of music transformed the lives of everyone she encountered. 

Although we know that Gretchen was a fantastic musician, the place she shined the most was motherhood.  Gretchen loved her children fiercely.  There was nothing she enjoyed more than the privilege of raising her children, Ethan, Connor, Meredith, Owen, and Eliza.  She treasured every moment with them. If you were lucky enough to be present when she gazed into her children’s faces the pure joy radiating from her would blind you.  She was so grateful to be able to see her oldest son, Ethan find love and marry his wife Emmye last Spring.  She will be forever missed by her children and wanted nothing but a wonderful life for all of them.

Throughout her health challenges, Gretchen never gave up hope.  She was the most determined soul and was driven by her faith in the Lord. She relied on her deep Christian faith to continue to embrace positivity, one of her trademark qualities.  Her faith only grew stronger in her final year of life.  Her life was transformed by her faith.  She lived her life according to His word and found comfort in prayer, focusing special attention on seeking guidance. She would want her legacy to include encouraging everyone reading this to do the same.  

The family wishes to thank the staff at Highlands Oncology, Dr. Windsor Esther, Dr. Juan Lombeida, The staff of M.D. Anderson, Megan Herschler, Robert Fitzgerald, Cara Sedberry, Rhonda Hawley, Clint Pianalto, Jen Ryerson, Jim Bob and Matilda Baker,  and the many friends who poured their love and support on Gretchen, her children, and her family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm, at the First United Methodist Church of Springdale.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00am at the First United Methodist Church of Springdale. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Springdale.