Ruth Eleanor Curtis

ROCHESTER - Ruth E. Curtis, 93, died on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester. Ruth was born in Waverly, IA on July 28, 1918 to Harry E. and Vera C. (Garner) Ham. She grew up near Chicago living in Oak Park and Lombard. She graduated from Wheaton Community High School on June 7th, 1939. She cherished the many summers she spent as a child on the farm with her grandparents in Waverly, IA. Her mother loved baseball and so at a White Sox/Yankees game she got Babe Ruth to pat her young daughter on the head because they shared the same name. She did factory work during World War II to help with the war effort. On June 1st, 1946 at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Wheaton, IL she married Leonard J. Curtis and they made their home in Wheaton and Lombard raising five children. Ruth loved her husband and children and rejoiced in her faith. She was very dedicated to attending and serving the church including, for many years, the Calvary Episcopal Church in Lombard and Rochester. She attended Bible study and was a Daughter of the King. She enjoyed reading books, the theater, movies, good acting and offering her great sense of humor. She was very funny. She loved her parents and sisters Jean and Mary. But never lost the feeling of sadness after Mary died as a child. She was very happy though that her husband Leonards brother, Allen, married her sister Jean. She loved her mother-in-law, Alice, and brother and sister in-law Jerry and Pat. She was especially happy when everyone gathered for the birthday of one of the children, including all the nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. She was committed to making those around her happy and asking God for guidance in the task. Ruth is survived by four children; Leonard J. Curtis Jr., of Rochester, Lawrence P. (Mary) Curtis, of Torrington, WY, Mary E. Curtis, of Rochester, Thomas K. (Kimberly) Curtis, of Durham, NC.; three grandchildren, Angela, Michael and Ashley and one great grandson, Aiden. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her parents, a son, John W.; and two sisters, Jean and Mary. A Memorial Service will be held at 1100am on Saturday, August 4th at Calvary Episcopal Church, 111 3rdAve. SW, Rochester, MN. with Rev. Nicklas Mezacapa officiating.