Obituary: Lela Ardith Watford

Lela Ardith Watford (July 24, 1936 – March 9, 2026)

Lela Ardith Watford, 89, of Manchester, Mich., passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the River Gate Health Care Center in Riverview, Mich. Lela’s family and friends will gather from 11am to 12pm, on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Eineder Funeral Homes — Manchester Chapel. Her funeral service will follow at 12pm at the funeral home.

Lela was born on July 24, 1936, to Elias and Norma (Adams) Dennis. She graduated from Garden City High School in 1954. Lela spent her career working at the University of Michigan as a medical transcriptionist, where she retired. She loved reading and traveling. Lela has visited almost every lighthouse in Michigan. She will be remembered for her love and dedication toward her family. Lela will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Lela will be missed by her son, Richard MacDougall; her grandchildren, Nicole (Bill) and Courtney; her great-grandchild, Riley; her nieces, Valerie and Cindy; daughters-in-law, Susan MacDougall and Deborah Jackson; and many other extended family members. She is preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Norma; her late husband, Charles “Pete” MacDougall; her son, Patrick; her siblings, Selma, Alice, Lee Edward (Joyce), Jimmy Allen, and Sylvia; her grandchild, Kathryn; and her nephew, Victor.

Please leave a message of comfort for Lela’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.