Carolyn Curtis

Carolyn (Heckeler) Curtis was born at home near Ballston Spa, NY on March 9, 1926. She died peacefully at her home near Richland, MI on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at the age of 88. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 66 years, Willard H. Curtis of Richland, MI; and four children, Bruce (Sandra) Curtis of Cary, NC, Paul (Brenda) Curtis of Williamston, MI, Philip (Jenefer) Curtis of San Jose, CA, and Joan (Dave) Smith of Mattawan, MI; seven grandchildren, Shawn, Shana, Ian, Tyler, Jeremy, Eleanor, and Mallory; and one great grandson, Kayden. She is also survived by two sisters, Beatrice LaRue of Middle Grove, NY and Ruth Anne Drechsel of Gainesville, GA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Minnie Heckeler, daughter, Laurie Jane Curtis, granddaughter, Claire Alexis Smith, and sister, Louise Williams. Carolyn graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 1942 and worked for the United States Government at the local Ration Board during World War II. From 1946-1949, she attended Hope College in Holland, MI. On June 26, 1948, she and Willard H. Curtis were married at Ballston Center Presbyterian Church in New York State. They lived in Cadillac, MI from 1951-1960 and in Hastings, MI from 1960-1985. Following her husband's retirement in 1985, they moved to Richland, MI. While her husband was pastor of the Presbyterian churches in Cadillac and Hastings, Carolyn was active in both as a Sunday School teacher, and took an active part in the work and leadership of the women's organizations of each church and the local communities. In Hastings, she worked in the offices of WBCH Radio from 1975-1980. Since moving to Richland, and the Richland First Presbyterian Church, she remained active in Presbyterian Women, served as a Deacon, was selected as the Church Historian, and has been a steadfast volunteer for the Richland Community Food Pantry which is housed in the First Presbyterian Church. Carolyn blessed the lives of her family, the churches she served, and the communities that she made her home. Hers was a life of love and giving to all she met, and she will be missed. The family offers a note of gratitude and appreciation for the faithful care provided by Reverence Hospice. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 27th from 6-8 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI. Services will be held 11 AM on Monday, July 28th at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland, 8047 Church St., Richland, MI. A private burial will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Gifts and donations can be made in memory of Carolyn to the First Presbyterian Church of Richland or the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. 269-343-1508.