Frances LaNelle (Gravatt) Curtis, 93

Frances LaNelle (Gravatt) Curtis beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, was born Nov. 29, 1928, in Pingree Idaho, and died Feb. 25, 2022, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was the daughter of Frank Charles Gravatt and LaRena Irene (Fairchild) Gravatt.

Frances received her education in Aberdeen, Idaho. After high school she enrolled in Idaho State University's Nursing School. She met, was swept off her feet and married Kenneth David Curtis while attending ISU in 1948.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Frank Darwin Gravatt and Charles Clyde Gravatt; and sisters Mabel LaMarra Gravatt and Ruth Joanne Gravatt Claunch.

She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Kenneth David Curtis; her sister, Farice Gravatt Thompson; daughters Cindy Benson and Sharon Curtis; grandchildren Doug Benson II, Shelby LaNelle Whiting, Shanan Cutler, Kenneth Benson, Robert Benson, Mathew Robson, Briana Shriner and Jake (Jacob) Robson; great-grandchildren Porter Benson, Scout Benson, Ruby Benson, Jonas Benson, Baylie Whiting, Saige Whiting, Logan Whiting, Zoey Cutler, Nadezda Benson, Clemetine Benson, Beaumont Benson, Compton Benson, Graham Shriner and Brooks Shriner; and great-great-granddaughter Magnolia Benson.

Frances was an active member of the Philanthropic Education Organization for Women (P.E.O ), and a founding member of the P.E.O. in Yuma, Ariz. The P.E.O sponsors Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri and has awarded over $28.2 million in scholarships to women since 1990.

After retirement, Frances and Ken saw all but three of the 50 United States, every province in Canada, and every continent but Antarctica. Ken and Frances also visited many World Heritage cites; recording all their travels with pictures, slides, letters and journals. After sharing time between a home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Yuma, Ariz., Ken and Frances settled in Coeur d'Alene in 2007.

Frances was a devoted and loving wife, and mother to her two daughters. She was a doting grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Frances was loved by all who knew her and will be truly missed.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Frances’ online memorial and sign her guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.

LOVE FROM DOUGIE POOH