Emma Evelyn Curtis

Emma Evelyn Curtis, 89, passed away July 7, 2005.She passed from earth to heaven to have a joyous reunion with her large family of parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and her beloved husband, Harold.She was born September 8, 1915 in Decatur, Nebraska. Evelyn was the youngest of seven children of Ether B. and Emma Jane Lewis. She was the lone survivor of the original Lewis Clan.She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Harold M. Curtis in May 1989.She resided at River Ridge Nursing Center in Corpus Christi for the past seven months.Evelyn and Harold lived in Independence, Missouri from 1933 until 1980.During WWII and beyond she aided the war effort, by her employment at the LAKE CITY AMMUNITION FACTORY near Independence. When the facility closed, she started working in the garment industry at Rice Coat and Suit Factory, and remained there until her retirement in 1980.Evelyn and Harold moved to Los Fresnos, Texas in 1980 to be nearer their only daughter and also to escape the brutal Missouri winters. In 1984, due to Harold's failing health, they moved to Mathis, Texas to be even nearer their daughter. Evelyn remained in Mathis until her own health required a move to a skilled nursing facility.In June 2004, she had a joyous reunion with all her immediate family on the occassion of her daughter's 50th wedding anniversary. All grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were able to see "GRANNIE" for one last extended visit, and they will be able to carry that memory in their hearts as a lasting reminder of the dear lady that touched our lives in so many ways.She is survived by her only child, Jane Ola and her husband James L. Riley, of Corpus Christi. Also, her four beloved grandchildren, Jamie Lynn (Brian) Delos Santos of Yorba Linda, California, Terry M. (Carol) Riley of Odem, Texas, Kelly Ann (Calvin) Kauffman of Odessa, Missouri, and Vicki Sue (Stan) Rudolph of Farmington, Minnesota. Her six great-grandchildre, Jennifer Kirchhoff, Sarah and Kyle Delos Santos, Samantha Brannock (Robert), Patrick Rudolph (Sheila), and Travis Rudolph. Her four great-great-grandchildre, Alexandra Kirchhoff, Christian Brannock, Tyler Riley Rudolph, and Riley D. Brannock. Also numerous nieces and nephews.She had attended the First Baptist Church in Mathis, Texas until her illness kept her away from her spiritual home.Special thanks to the wonderful care givers at River Ridge Nursing Center who made her final days as comfortable as possible."GRANNIE" will be in our hearts forever, to be loved, honored, and remembered for all those special times and memories cherished by her family.Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2005 at Dobie Funeral Home, 121 N. Duval, Mathis, Texas.Grave side services will be conducted by Rev. Ron Walker at 10:00 a.m. July 12, 2005 at Cenizo Hills Cemetery in Mathis, Texas.In lieu of flowers please make a donation, in her honor, to the charity of your choice.