Frances L. Curtis' Obituary
Frances L. (Williams) Curtis, 98, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at home with her family by her side. Born in Lost Creek, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Nettie (Lipscomb) Williams. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church most of her life. She met and later married William E. Curtis after corresponding with him via a friend, in letters, while he was in the service. Fran worked at Sears for many years, initially as a salesclerk and later as the senior secretary for management. After completing her education at Gambier High School, Gambier, Ohio, she began working in the office of a professor at Kenyon College, and all men's university at the time in Gambier, Ohio. Being shorthanded of female actresses, it was there she had the good fortune to perform in a play with a young Paul Newman who was a Kenyon College student. She was quite talented at crafting and crocheting. Two Christmas staples the family relished were Fran's fudge and fried mush. She shared with family and friends her enjoyment of playing cards and instilled her love of the outdoors by the numerous camping trips throughout the country with them.
She is survived by her children, William Daniel (Cindy) Curtis, Maureen (Mark Goodhew) Peffley, and Cathy (David) Fredrickson; grandchildren, Nicole (Jeremy) Swick, Eric Curtis, Dr. Nathan (Dr. Marci Pepper) Peffley, Ryan (Tegan) Fredrickson, Karrie (Brad) Steenport, and Drew (Kara) Fredickson; great grandchildren, Adriana and Alena Swick, Emery, William, and Owen Steenport, and Cora Fredrickson; step great grandson, Raven Swick; and step great great grandson, Acsley Swick. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William; daughter, Colleen Curtis; grandson, Justin Peffley; and brother, Russell Williams.
Private services. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials to a Pokagon State Park bench in honor of Fran and Bill, c/o Maureen Peffley or Cathy Fredrickson. Arrangements by Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven. Fond memories for the family may be left at www.harperfuneralhome.com.
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