Colleen Curtis

It is with profound sadness that the family of Colleen Joyce (Phinney) Curtis announces her peaceful passing on August 16, 2023 at the age of 90 years.  She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Rene’ Curtis and Kelly (David) Kik, grandchildren Melissa Kik and Allan Kik, and numerous extended family members and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, William R. Curtis (Bill), parents Earnest and Bernice (Bailey) Phinney, and sisters Patricia Herrington, Louise Fountaine, Betty Jean Phinney, and Phoebe Jane Phinney.

Colleen was born in Muir, Ionia County, Michigan on January 31, 1933.  Colleen graduated from Rockford High School in 1951, received her teaching certificate after training at County Normal, attended Western Michigan University, and was one class shy of her Master’s Degree when she retired.  Over the years she taught kindergarten through 2nd grade, first at Marble School in Keene Township, Ionia County, then at several elementary schools in the Kenowa Hills district, including Pearsall, Fruit Ridge, Alpine, and Zinser.

Colleen married her long-time friend, Bill, whom she had known since they were children, at West Cannon Baptist Church on July 2, 1052, ten days after Bill returned from the Korean War.  Over the years they lived in Belding, Grand Rapids, Standale, Ada, and Cascade. 

Colleen and Bill traveled extensively, not only around the United States but to many other countries around the world.  She often purchased clothing from the countries that they visited.  They were foster parents to several children.  Colleen also enjoyed swimming at the Forest Hills YMCA (as part of the retired members’ swimming club), knitting for the church, making home-cooked meals, and spending time with both family and her wide range of friends.  She attended Rockford High School class reunions whenever possible, most recently in 2022 at the age of 89.  She was a member of the sorority Beta Sigma Phi/Theta Chi as well as a lifetime member of the church’s Order of the Daughters of the King.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Sunrise Senior Living/Memory Care Unit and Corewell Health Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00PM Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1025 Three Mile Road, N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49505.  The family will receive visitors for one hour prior to the service.  As she wished, Colleen’s ashes will be interred in the church’s flower garden near Bill’s following the service.

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