Martha "Marty" Watts Viola

Martha “Marty” Watts Viola of Frisco, Texas and formerly of Dallas, Texas and Littleton, Colorado, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the age of 74 after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer.

Preceded in death by her parents, Gladys Anne Peebles and Walton O’Hara Watts, parents-in-law Laura McWhirter Harker and Lee & Joseph Viola, sister Mary Watts Johnston and many cousins and relatives.

Marty is survived by John Viola, devoted husband and partner for more than 30 years, loving daughters Casey Harker Teague (son-in-law Tony Teague), and Cristen Harker Ward (husband Kelly Ward), grandchildren Ella Ward, Andrew Teague, Carson Ward, Alex Teague, Caroline Ward, niece Jill Johnston Webb (husband Scott Webb), brother-in-law Robert Viola, and many relatives and friends.

Marty was deeply loved by her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, beloved mother, proud and loving grandmother, dear aunt and friend to many. Born in San Antonio, Texas on January 5, 1948, Marty was a proud Texan who grew up in Dallas. She was a graduate of WT White High School Class of 1966, the first graduating class at WT White and attended Stephen F. Austin State University. In high school Marty was a member of the WT White Caballeras Drill Team where she made wonderful friends and lifelong memories.

Marty was beautiful both inside and out. She was most proud of and committed to her family. As the family matriarch, Marty was loving and nurturing who established traditions that will live on in her family for generations. She loved to host gatherings for family and friends, and was a great cook and baker.

Marty and John met in Mexico and a courtship and marriage followed based on love and mutual respect. They traveled the world, but were happiest at home with family and friends.

Marty’s highest calling was as a wife, mother to Casey and Cristen, and “Grammy” to her five beautiful and talented grandchildren Ella, Andrew, Carson, Alex and Caroline. She always strived to care and support them, and her three favorite words were “I love you.” said often and with tremendous heart.

Wherever Marty lived, worked or played she established strong friendships, whether in Dallas, Ken Caryl Valley in Littleton, Colorado, and finally in Frisco, Texas.

As a resident of Stonebriar Village in Frisco, Marty was an active member of the Stonebriar Village Garden Club, serving many years as a Board member and 3 years as President. She and John have made many dear and cherished friends while living there for the past 17 years.

Marty lived life with an amazing sense of style and elegance but will especially be remembered for her kind and caring nature and her heart of gold.

A celebration of Marty’s life will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, Texas (972)235-8385. The service will also be livestreamed at www.fumcr.com/memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marty’s memory can be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/give.html

The Children's Cancer Fund of Dallas, https://www.childrenscancerfund.com/make-a-donationo

Or, your favorite charity.