No headline

JoAnn Curtis, 84

JoAnn Kay Curtis, 84, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, at Lake Havasu City, Ariz. The daughter of Sylvan and Thelma DeCoria, JoAnn was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on May 24, 1935.

JoAnn was raised in Arco, Idaho, and after graduating from high school, went on to study nursing at Idaho State University. It was there that she met Clifton Curtis and the two were married in 1956. After completing their degrees, they made Pocatello their home and remained living there for several years.

In 1966, JoAnn and Clifton made the bold decision to move their young family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Their purchase of two small motels near downtown Coeur d’Alene marked the beginning of a dream to own their own business. Eight years, with no days off later, they called it a success and moved on to other real estate ventures. As active members of Coeur d’Alene’s business community, JoAnn and Clifton continued to make investments in the area for many decades to come.

During this time, JoAnn also worked for the Panhandle Health District and Kootenai Medical Center. She was a skilled registered nurse, who treated every patient with respect and compassion. JoAnn was a devoted caregiver to neighbors and friends until her own health prevented her from continuing.

During the summer, JoAnn and Clifton loved to boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene. When the days got shorter and the weather turned colder, taking their RV to sunny Arizona became a yearly tradition that they enjoyed for many years. In 2011, JoAnn lost her husband of 55 years when Clifton passed away on May 16.

Surviving JoAnn are her children Stephenie Curtis Swindell (Doug) of Lake Havasu City and Daniel (Lori) Curtis of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren Chad (Allison) Curtis and Cassie Curtis Thompson (Trent) of Meridian, Idaho; stepsons Robert Wade (Lorene) Curtis of Boise and Stephen (Kathleen) Curtis of Edinburg, Va.; sister, Sally Howery, of Thurman, Iowa; four great-grandchildren and several step-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

JoAnn was preceded in death by a sister, Rubie Beverland, and two brothers, Jerry and Bobby DeCoria.

At her request, a service will not be held, but memorials may be made in JoAnn’s memory to Toys for Tots. Mohave Memorial Lake Havasu Mortuary has been entrusted with the final arrangements.