Nicole Marie Jones Watson’s life was taken suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, October 23, 2020. Her family, friends, and community will miss her beautiful smile, generous heart, and boundless spirit – but her presence and light will continue to live in the thoughts and memories of all who knew and loved her.
On December 13, 1983, Nicole was born in Helena, Montana, to Walt and Cindy Sangray Jones. Good things come in pairs, and she was a twin to her sister and lifelong best friend, Kristin. Nicole went through the Clancy and Boulder school systems and graduated from Jefferson High in 2002. She then completed cosmetology school and began a career as a stylist in Missoula before returning to Helena.
Nicole worked at various salons in Helena before becoming “Nicole from Great Clips” – where she eventually became the manager. At Great Clips, she won numerous awards. They included selection as one of the company’s top 20 stylists in the United States. She attributed her success to the fact that she liked working, but she loved her customers!
In May of 2020, Nicole opened her booth at Eastside Hair Design and started a second career as a photographer. With both, she had a devoted and growing client list.
One of Nicole’s proudest moments was in 2016 when the Helena Indian Alliance awarded her the “Clifford White Cow Memorial Award” for demonstrating a positive attitude and exceptional character in overcoming personal obstacles. She shared the message of that award as an AA sponsor for over 40 people.
Nicole’s life became complete in 2016 when she met and fell in love with Kit Watson, and they were married in 2018. Their celebration was an Alice in Wonderland themed wedding with everyone in character. More importantly, that whimsical fairy tale beginning transitioned into a unique and lasting love story.
Nicole’s two children, Aizlynn and Nakoa (Koa), will always be the absolute center of her life, and with the addition of Kit, their adventures got bigger, their smiles got brighter, and their life got better. Whether it was a winter adventure at the family house in Glacier, or a simple afternoon taking photos in the woods, there was always a great story, perhaps a few missteps, and usually more than one good laugh. However, what was most important to Nicole was that her recollection of each adventure finally and forever began with the word “We.”
Nicole is survived by her husband, Christian “Kit” Watson, daughter Aizlynn Clair Gard, and son Nakoa “Koa” Walter Jones, parents Walt and Cindy Sangray Jones, sister Kristen Montgomery and family, and Kit’s parents, Ken and Peggy Cook. Other family members include grandfather Andrew “Rand” Sangray and Loueen Hartman, aunt Judy Sangray, all of the “Jones/Thennis/Smith” uncles, aunts, and cousins, and the Watson uncles, aunts and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her big sister, Judiann Jones, and her grandparents, Connie Haynes Sangray and Jack and Bonnie Jones.
In closing, the family asks that in this time of sorrow, anger and uncertainty due to the circumstances of Nicole’s death, that we instead focus on the beauty and value of her life and a legacy that embodies love, hope, and redemption.
There is a quote that says, “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply will become part of us.” Truer words were never written. We miss you Nicole and we will forever hold you close to us.
Due to Covid-19, a private service will be held on Friday, November 6th. The family will provide access to a recording of the service through Cindy Sangray Jones’s Facebook page. There will also be a Celebration of Life for Nicole this summer.
An account for Aizlynn and Koa is available at Valley Bank Helena, and a Go Fund Me account has also been set up. It can be accessed at Go Fund Me by typing Nicole Jones Watson into the site’s search field.
. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Nicole.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Vanessa Tolson says
Nicole was one of those gals that would brighten your day with her infectious smile and friendly demeanor. Her family meant everything to her she loved her children and was so proud of them. When she cut my hair she always talked about her kids & loving husband. Although she was my hairdresser for the past 2 plus years and we weren’t close as family, every time I think of how her life was cut short I cry. Last time I was in she gave me a jar of her fresh canned Salsa & Spicy Apple Butter, I savor every bite and see her smiling face. Rest In Peace sweet lady. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Linda Gillett says
Cindy,Walt, Kristin and all family
Jim and I are so sorry about the Loss of Nicole. I have such good memories of her when she attended Clancy Elementary.
We are sending Love and Prayers your way.
Linda and Jim Gillett
Donna Owens says
Cindy, Walt, Kristin,
Our thoughts an prayers are with you all. She will be missed.
Scott, Donna, Jeramie Owens
Gilda A Clancy says
Dear Family,
I’m sorry to hear about your loss! Nichole cut my hair for the past 12 years, beginning when we worked at Dillard’s. I will miss her! Praying for you!
Pat Hunt and Chuck Johnson says
Dear Kit, Walt, Cindy and to all the Jones-Watson family,
Chuck and I were deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this tragic time. Nicole had a wonderful smile and will be missed by so many. Prayers to all of you and her children
Becky (Strong) Corbett says
Dear Cindy, Walt, and Kristin,
My mom (Vonnie Strong) and our family were so sorry to hear this tragic news. I was lucky to live across the street from Bonnie & Jack and to grow up with Nicole and Kristin. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know we are thinking of all of you. May you be blessed and find peace during this difficult time.
Love,
Becky (Strong) Corbett and Family ❤️
Suzanne Wilke says
I was so shocked to hear about Nicole!! My heart goes out to her babies, Kit and her family. She cut my Grandson’s hair and was so patient and kind. She will be missed..
Sue
Kathy Rowsey says
Praying and much love to your family. May God’s Grace, love and comfort surround you all.
Sandi Benson says
Cindy know I have you and family in thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May the days ahead bring peace and comfort… ‘God Bless’
Della Dobbins says
Kit, Cindy and family. I’m still in shock that she is gone. I loved that girl! We shared so many stories. We laughed we cried and I will always remember the hugs she gave. I was so proud of the women, mother and wife she became. I remember she told me she went on a date with Kit, and they went on hike. She said it was the best date ever! She adored her husband, kids mom and dad!
I will miss our chats.
Curt Stanghill says
Prayers are with Kit, Cindy, Walt and family.
Jane and Jim burgess says
My heart is just broken. I thought so much of Nicole. Last we talked she told me about her upcoming marriage and and was so happy. My thoughts and prayers are with you Cindy and Walt and all your family. I so remember her as a little girl when she an KC were in school. I don’t have words for how terrible I feel for you all. Nicole always had a sweet smile and loved her kids so deeply. Please reach out to me for anything you may need. Our girls grew up together so I knew all her struggles she went through. This is so tragic I have cried many tears for her and all her loving family, please know your in my prayers in this most difficult time. I haven’t told KC as yet. She is away struggling with with her recent loss. She will be devastated. My deepest sympathies and pray that this will get easier. You are In my thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Maureen Hunthausen says
Nicole was a friendly and delightful person. She cut my hair on two different occasions while working at
Great Clips, and she would always talk about her family, especially Bonnie and Jack. I left each time with a smile on my heart. May God shine his face upon the entire Jones family and grant you peace. Rest in Peace Nicole.
Shelley Riis Dempsey says
My heart breaks for you, Cindy and Walt. Nicole did a pedicure fire me when she worked at Dillard’s. During that I discovered she was your daughter. I’m so,so sorry for your family. You are on my mind and in my prayers.
Valerie Hamer Eickmeyer says
The shock and sadness are so real. I pray for the entire family everyday. I was so proud of the mother that Nicole was. I admired her determination. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
J and Sue Daly says
Walt, Cindy, Kit and Kristin — We are so sorry, our hearts are breaking for you. Please reach out if there’s anything we can do.
Tim and Pam Plaska says
Our deepest condolences to your family…we are at a loss to find the words to express how awful this is and we hope and pray for comfort, peace and eventual healing for all your family…bless you all.
Joyce F. Evans says
I met Nicole at Tizer Gardens while working on Fairy Festival meetings. She was a sweet, hard-working gal and will be missed. Rest in peace, dear lady.
Dennis Clark says
Nicole was always wonderful to me. Whether it be her coming to Hobby Lobby, when I worked there, to order a ton of candles from me, or when she was cutting my hair, she always had this very calming demeanor that just brought me joy. You could walk in the room, in the foulest of moods, and she always gave off this vibe that made you feel instantly calm and carefree. I will absolutely miss her. Even though I never knew her outside of my work, or hers, I felt I knew her well enough that I feel like I lost a best friend. My heart now rests in my gut and I find myself crying an awful lot and cannot sleep… even missed some days at work because it hit me that hard. I never realized how much of a huge impact she had on my life that until after she was gone. I pray for comfort for her family, loved ones, and all her friends, including myself. This is been the roughest week of my life, in many years. Knowing the impact she left on everyone’s life is a clear indicator to me that she had to guaranteed ticket to Heaven.
Joan Correa says
Nichole cut my hair for several years. She was so very sweet and really cared about her clients. My prayers are with her family-she is missed by so many. Rest in peace……
Penny B says
Nicole was my friend and my stylist. We were talking about getting together next summer with my sister-in-law and another one of my friends to “can to our hearts content”. She was a beautiful person inside and out and I will miss getting an opportunity to become closer to her , husband Kit and children. I am devastated thinking about her family. My sincerest thoughts and prayers for mercy and peace. Smile down from heaven on your family Nicole and check in on me once in awhile.
Patricia Ward says
I only know Nicole through a friend. But I extend deep sympathy and compassion to all her family
so sad…..
Auntie Sha & family says
Walt, Cindy & family
My precious loved ones, every single day is so difficult, so for all of you, I know it has to be beyond comprehension. I pray that you all will all get thru this. Your wonderful memories of Nicole will sustain you in the future. Please know how much you are all loved & that we are all here for you, day and night. The strength you will need to get thru this is unimaginable, lots of arms around you to help hold you up. She was beautiful, strong, caring & kind. The children will always remember a strong loving mama, thank god for the time they had with her. We pray for Kit to have the strength to endure the huge hole in his heart & life. God bless you all at this very difficult time!
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Jones and Watson families,
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow knowing of this senseless act that has taken the life of your precious daughter/wife. I had the pleasure of meeting Nicole at JC Penny hair salon 7+ years ago. She actually was the stylist next to mine and she was talking to her client about family matters, more particularly her Dad having had knee surgery and all the trials and tribulations that come with the recovery. She kind of included all of us around her into the conversation and eventually I found out that her Dad, Walt was my cousin. So from then on if she was there during my appointments I would catch up with news about Walt and Cindy. She was a delight to visit with, so animated and comical. There are no words to say that will help with the aching within your hearts. We can only let you know that we pray, somehow, our dear Lord will wrap his loving arms around you to give some sort of comfort and peace during these difficult days. You have our most deepest sincere sympathy. God gives us comfort in the form of family and friends. May His peace be with you, His love never ends.
Bruce and Rhonda (Strainer) Robertson
Bob and Carol Utick says
Walt, Cindy and Family
So very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Carol Utick and Family
Margie Mason says
“Dear Cindy, Walt, Kristin and families, Some people come into our lives and quickly go….Others stay awhile and leave footprints on our heart and we are never ever the same. The plaque with this saying that you gave to me when the girls were in second grade at Clancy School still hangs on my wall. I have not forgotten you. I am so very sorry for your loss! May your belief in God help you through this very difficult time. Please know that I care. ” Margie Mason
Ray and Christy Fuller says
Dear Cindy, Walt and family,
No words can express our deep sadness about the loss of your beautiful daughter. Our hearts are breaking for you. She will be dearly missed. Praying you and your family.
Scott Dupuis says
Angela and I have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Our condolences to you all….
Donna (Rankin) Turnbow says
Nicole was a regular in our home as she and Kate were growing up. She was a loyal friend, and I smile as I remember the “hair sessions” that happened in our bathroom from time to time. My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this cherished young woman. My prayers go out for comfort and healing.
Gloria Lambertz says
Dear Nicole’s family–I only got to know Nicole in about the last five years. We had such great talks while she cut my hair. I am so saddened and shocked over her untimely death. She had such great spirit, love of life, and she loved you ALL! I am a better person having gotten to know Nicole. I am so sorry.
Kathy & Tim Royston says
Dear Cindy and family,
We’re sorry for your loss. Nicole had cut my hair for the last few years at Great Clips. In chatting, we both figured out that Cindy & I knew each other through school & being neighbors many years ago. She was such a beautiful person and had a never ending smile and laugh. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Tim & Kathy Royston
Peggy & Steve Harle says
This is a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Nicole. The special place she holds in your hearts is very clear. We send much love as your family strives to make sense of this heartbreaking event.
Dayle Williams says
Cindy and family,
Your in my thoughts and prayers durning this time. I pray you feel Gods comfort.
Lori Stephens says
I am so sorry, she was a wonderful spirit and made everyone around her so happy. She certainly stood out in this crazy world as a bright shinning star. My heart goes out to all of you.
Marta Ernst says
Dear Nicole’s family,
Nicole was the bright spot in our family when my mother moved here10 years ago. Nicole agreed to be her hair dresser and manicurist. As an older person in assisted living we would spend our weekends finding fun things to do for my mother. Nicole was her favorite. She was kind to an old lady who just wanted to be spoiled. She always talked to my mother and got her candy (her favorite) and would treat her like a queen. Because of her kindness and inner brightness she made my mother’s last years positive. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, I send my deepest sympathy. She was a sweetheart.
Kai says
Dear Cindy and Walt Jones and Watson family,
You captured the light of Nicole beautifully, thank you for sharing that with us All! Our heartfelt sorrows are with you, please know your family continues to grow as we are all here for you. Our prayers remain strong to provide you guidance, strength, and endless amounts of Love.
John & Christine Christiansen says
Nicole was an AWESOME gal. When I started going to her for haircuts and we would talk and it was like I knew her…..as time went on I found out that I knew her Sister and Mother. WOW!!! She is a WONDERFUL person inside and out. She always dressed to fit the day……one time I got a hair cut and she looked like the woman on poster of “We Can Do This” and she looked like that woman. Her life centered around her family and she loved them abundantly more then a person could say. She was a confident woman in more ways then as a “customer” realized. Nicole touched so many lives including my own. My husband and I love the family always have and saddens us that this GREAT PERSON, NICOLE has passed. Our prayers are with the family in this time and will continue to be and as the OBT stated a celebration of : love, happiness, laughter, and all areas of Nicole’s life be celebrated.
Rita Pikkula says
Peggy, Ken and Kit,
Our hearts ache for you. Our deepest sympathies.
Gale and Rita Pikkula
Jean and Anthony Stainer says
Cindy, Walt, Kristin and family – we are deeply saddened to hear the news of Nicole’s passing. We pray that by the grace of God the many happy memories of Nicole’s life will comfort you. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that our prayers are with you.
Dudley Williams says
Sincerest condolences to the whole family. She was one of the nicest person I got to know. Prayers are with you all.
Scott St. Clair says
Walt and Cindy and Family. I am so very sorry for your loss of Nicole. I did not know Nicole personally however her obituary was one of the best I’ve ever read. Hopefully the bright times and good memories will help you through this difficult time (obviously there are many). Just know you’re in my thoughts. Scott St. Clair
James Maher says
Nicole was my hairdresser for many years. It has been one of the great pleasures of my life to have known her. She will be missed. My heart goes out to the family. Sincerely.
Desirae Dixon says
Nicole was a beautiful soul. Always pleasant, sweet and could light up any room with her kindness and aura. She will be missed by so many. Sending prayers, hugs and love to her friends and family.
Karen Fishman says
My grandson Angus was in the same kindergarten class as Aizlynn and whenever he went in for a haircut, Nicole and he would have a great conversation. She treated him with respect and he was always glad that she could cut his hair. She was a very sweet lady and will be remembered fondly. Our hearts go out to those she leaves behind.
Julie and Jim DeMars says
Our hearts ache for Nicole’s family and friends. Such a tragic loss. We will be keeping you all close in thought and prayer.
Virginia DeMers says
Cindy,Walt,Kristen and family,
Im so sorry for your loss of Nicloe, your in my thoughts and prayers! Im so blessed to have had the privilege knowing Nicole while attending Clancy School while I worked there. Nicole was so full of life and a wonderful smile to go with it. I will always treasurer the memories and prayers to all of you.
Janae Marx says
There are no words that can truly express the anguish of this loss. Nicole touched so many lives… I loved her eclectic, bold, vibrant, beautiful and infectious spirit. Without a doubt she was so extremely gifted in the realm of Cosmetology. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her while at JC Penny’s. What a blessing to see her overcome so many obstacles and set the example of perseverance and making a difference against all odds. Nicole- Your light cannot be extinguished! Prayers for all those that are grieving this horrible tragedy.
Shawna Pieske says
Kit, Walt, Cindy and to all the Jones-Watson family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart is broken and will miss her dearly. She was a good kid and met her when she was in middle school. I watched her and Kristen grow into beautiful bright women. I enjoyed all our deep conversations about life and family catching up with news each time she cut my hair. God bless you all!
Leslee Stevens Effertz says
Cindy and family…so so sorry to hear about Nicole…what a wonderful person!!! And mom!!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you…
MG says
Take time to grieve and find comfort in knowing that God is near all those calling on Him. My condolences to the family.
Kay Robison says
Kit,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and Nicole became my friends over the past 5 years. Your love for your wife and her love for you, was whole and unconditional; truly an exquisite match. You and your family are in my prayers for comfort and strength in the days ahead. Please take care of yourselves.
Sincerely,
Kay Robison
Foster Family says
Good memories, from Nicole as a little girl running around with my kids at Stonebridge pig roast, to here lately, giving my Grandkids haircuts. The kids would never sit still. Nicole took it in stride. They really enjoyed haircuts by Nicole. We will miss that rare personality, smile and spirit for life.