Valley Twp., Allegan, MI, died Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Ely Manor in Allegan. Mrs. Read was born July 31, 1922 in Allegan, the daughter of Nathaniel and Bertha (Newell) Jackson. She was a 1940 graduate of Allegan High School. She had been employed at General Telephone in Allegan for 15 years as a switchboard operator and had also worked at Borgess Hospital and Kalamazoo State Hospital. Surviving are 1 daughter, Pat Crowder of Allegan; daughter-in-law, Deb Watson of Hastings; 4 grandchildren, Erin and Trenidy Eccles, Merlin "Jim" Crowder, Jason and Karen Watson, and Dan and Erin Watson; 6 great-grandchildren, Amillea, Hudson, Philip, Sarah, Elizabeth and Elliot; 1 sister, Earlene Bridgeman of Pennsylvania and special friend, James Freeman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Argyle, son, Thomas Watson, 2 sisters, Katherine Packer and Jean Schultz and great-grandson, Tyler Watson. Friends may meet with the family from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel,where funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. Pastor Tim TenClay officiating. Interment Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to In House Hospice or Dunningville Reformed Church.