Jennifer Elizabeth "Liz" Watson

Jennifer Elizabeth "Liz" Watson, 43, was killed tragically, with her beloved dog, Tank, by her side, from injuries sustained when struck in a head on collision.

Liz was born in Bedford, TX, on November 14, 1981. She grew up in Bedford and enjoyed many visits to Scurry, TX, where she was raised in her early years by her grandparents. She attended and graduated from L.D. Bell High School in Euless, TX. After high school, she proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was sad to be honorably discharged due to medical reasons.

At the age of 19, she began her work in general construction. She was soon blessed with her first son, Eric, and later, Levi, beginning her new role in motherhood. Liz later became like a second mother to her son’s friend, Craivon Collins, affectionately calling him her “Adopted Son”. 

Along with focusing on raising her two children, she held three jobs in the restaurant industry while pursuing her education and training at night school to become a nurse. After an opportunity came Liz's way, she began an apprenticeship with IBEW Local 20 and worked her way up to become a Master Electrician.

She worked on a multitude of projects in the DFW area in many capacities ranging from a Construction Electrician and Foreman to Service Electrician.

After mastering field work, she moved into the office as a Project Engineer and then a Project Manager. She then took her skills into Quality Assurance and eventually the Code Department as an Inspector for DFW Airport, all while being a proud IBEW Local 20 member.

She became both a prominent, well respected project manager, and city inspector. One of her proudest accomplishments of her career was overseeing the construction of the Dallas Fort Worth Airport among many other feats.

Staying with the union for over a decade she would gain the prestigious nickname "Red Tag Rhonda" due to her inevitability to catch any mistake with potential for damage or injury before it could ever develop.

She volunteered frequently with Renew, among other groups to complete community outreach events, such as Habitat for Humanity and Food/Toy Drives. She carried a multitude of impressive certifications, proving her dedication to further her knowledge of her craft. Especially impressive is NFPA 70E Trainer certification, as she taught Electrical Safety in the workplace.

As if she wasn't doing enough, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which she bravely fought and overcame.

After her work with the union, she began looking into IT jobs and accepted a position with Dickie Rural Network (DRN) and moved to Ellendale, North Dakota. She worked as an Inside Network Operations Specialist and was very accomplished. She monitored internet network traffic, troubleshot issues, configured equipment, and responded to network emergencies. She was also assigned to manage specific vendors. She dutifully “held their feet to the fire”, ensuring vendors maintained their responsibilities. She knew how to push the right buttons, keeping them happy and in line.

In this time, she transitioned into mothering remotely, guiding her sons through their highs and lows. With love, wisdom and patience, Liz advised their actions and choices. She often explained, “You are grown now. You can make your own decisions. Just be aware, these are the consequences of choices. Love you to the moon and back.”

During her time here, she met Randy Kjersten. They made plans to be married and grow old together. Randy’s family and friends immediately adored Elizabeth.

 She was currently studying for her TIA certification, with the goal of accepting a position nearer to their Moorhead home. This would greatly reduce her daily travel, allowing 4 more hours a day with the loves of her life, Randy, Tank (dog), and Zeke (cat). 

Sadly, her life was cut short just days before her TIA certification test, to get that closer job. She never made it over that hump, the relief of having more precious time together.

Liz was known for her diverse knowledge base and skillset. She was very technical and passionate about having things done the right way. 

Her bright and genuine personality touched the lives of people she met for even the shortest time. 

She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Liz is survived by her loving family: Her fiancé, Randy Kjersten; children, Eric (Lenci Dixon) Williams and Levi (Megan Wagner) Ruiz; grandchild, Waylon Williams; cat, Zeke; father; mother; step-father; brother; sister; and many other loving relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved dogs, Tank and Honey; grandparents; and numerous other family members. 

Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the service at 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 7, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available on her webpage at www.wrightfuneral.com where a guestbook and video tribute may also be found.