Anna Lee Curtis

Anna Lee Curtis, age 93, peacefully departed this life on October 10, 2025, with family at her bedside. Anna ( known to many as “Annie”), was a most beloved wife, mother, second-mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and loyal friend.

Anna was born on January 24, 1932, in London, Kentucky, the third of nine children, to James and Ruth Belle (Johnson) Bowling. Annie was a character from birth: The “Pippi Longstocking” of her clan with her red pigtails, freckles, and daredevil spirit, she loved her siblings fiercely. Recalling memories of swimming in the creek, making biscuits on a cast-iron stove when she was 5 years old, and gathering around the pump organ her mother played, always brought her joy. When she was in high school, she sang with her sister every week on the local radio station with the “Triple Trio.” Anna moved to Dayton, Ohio when she was 18 and met her future husband after whistling at him as he leaned over his car. He whistled back, and the rest is history. They married in 1950, moved to Fairborn, Ohio in 1957, had 4 children, and were married for 73 years until his passing in 2023. Anna always said her purpose on earth was to be a mother, and she demonstrated that in every aspect of her life. She had an innate ability to fully understand each of her children in a way that made her a trustworthy listener and friend, even as they became adults. She was always the “room mother”, the volunteer, the Sunday school teacher, the youth group leader, and the host of many many parties. Anna loved riding bikes, jumping rope, skateboarding, playing board games, reading to her children at bedtime, and mostly she loved singing with them. She taught her kids to sing together saying “don’t sing the same notes as your sister. Find something different until it sounds good.“ She always sang in the church choir and was thrilled when her son, Tim, became the director. Friends and neighbors always knew they were welcome at her home and that her home was a safe haven in times of storm. Literally, during the flooding of parts of Fairborn in the 1950s, neighbors were being rescued by the fire department. The water had reached only to the front step at our house, so she kept the vegetable soup, coffee, and cake coming while the workers piled in for a quick break. She loved to cook and would never use a recipe, nor did she ever understand the need for it. If she was making fudge, and it didn’t set, she simply called it by another name… such as ice cream topping. If she saw something that was creating problems, she would do her best to resolve it. She and her sister cut down a tree, and she also “attempted” to tear down the front porch after dad had left for work ( which eventually was resolved by the people hired to clean up the mess!) She loved flowers and was known to plant various kinds of plants all around the yard, even if they were weeds. She had a strong sense of right and wrong and believed that we are all the same in God’s eyes. Her loving, forgiving spirit was always part of her nature. She loved to travel and took many trips and cruises with family. She loved going to live concerts, and plays, especially if a child, a grandchild, or a great-grandchild was part of the production. She was her family’s cheerleader and biggest fan, and she loved going to her grandchildrens’ and great- grandchildrens’ games the same as she did with her children. She was our rock and loved us all unconditionally. Her unwavering faith in God upheld her in times of deep sadness. Her infectious smile and positive attitude was always present, and she would often tell others of the full, beautiful life she had. The example she set will live on throughout generations. In addition to her parents and spouse, she was preceded in death by her two sons Timothy Alan Curtis and Anthony Richard Curtis, her siblings: Earl, Joyce Geneva, Walter, Myrtle, Willa (infancy), Vernon, and Virgil. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Gault (Larry) and Pamela Curtis, her primary caregiver with whom she resided for the last two years; sister Mary Wells; grandchildren, Robyn Poling (Steve), Ryan Williams (Megan), Elizabeth Curtis, Holly Garbe, Heather Morrison (Chad), and grandson-in law Jon Garbe; great-grandchildren, Madalyn and Katherine Jenkins, Timothy Curtis, Gillian and Elliott Morrison, Chase, Connor, and Caleb Williams, Brianna Garbe, step-great grandchildren Juli (Jacob) Ross, Robert (Taylor) Poling and their baby Lela. Many nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom she loved dearly, also survive her. The family would like to express our immense gratitude to Ohio’s hospice volunteer choir that came to her house to sing and to others who provided care. Anna especially loved the visits from Heather, Josh, and Kayla, and we are forever grateful for care provided by friends Charlene and Valerie. In lieu of flowers we respectfully ask that, if desired, memorial donations be made to the Abiding Christ music fund where she enjoyed so many musical performances and activities. A Celebration of Life will be held at Abiding Christ Lutheran Church, 326 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd, Fairborn, Ohio on Wednesday, October 15, Pastor June Fryman, presiding. Visitation from 10:00-11:30 and service following at 11:30. Burial will follow at Byron Cemetery.