Kelli Curtis

Kelli Hoover Curtis, age 67, passed peacefully at home on the evening of September 24th, 2025 in St. Helens, OR. She was born the daughter of Bonnie and the late Griffith Hoover on August 8th, 1958 in Medford, OR.

Kelli had deep roots in the state of Oregon. She was born and raised in Medford, OR where she graduated from Medford Senior High school as a member of the class of 1976. She went on to receive a degree in education at the Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University) in Monmouth, OR. There she met her future husband, Mike Curtis, and they were married August 23rd, 1980. They settled in St. Helens, OR in 1982 where she taught as a high school Spanish teacher for 30 years before retiring in 2012. During that time she became a bedrock of the community raising four children, regularly donating to the Columbia Pacific Food Bank, and maintaining strong ties in the local area.

Kelli was an accomplished home chef who enjoyed cooking for her large family during get-togethers, accumulating kitchen gadgets, and trying new cuisines. She was an avid and voracious reader and loved to chat about current events, consume new culture, and go to the movies with her husband, family and friends. She had strong friendships that she actively maintained by going to local restaurants every Thursday with her long-time friends Margie, Pat, and Tamara and regular trips to reconnect with her long-time friend Jeri. Kelli enjoyed traveling, especially to visit friends and family. Highlights include her trips to New York, San Antonio, and Washington, D.C. to visit her son, Griff; Belgium to visit her friend, Sapho, and her family; and Argentina with her husband, Mike. She was especially fond of her vacation home in Sunriver, OR where she spent a lot of time with family and friends over the past 7 years.

Most of all, Kelli was deeply connected to her family. She had four children each with children of their own, totalling 8 grandchildren. She was immensely proud of their accomplishments and eagerly shared updates with anyone she met.

Kelli is preceded in death by her father, Griffith Hoover, and her brother, Gary Hoover.

Kelli is survived by her mother, Bonnie Hoover; her husband, Michael Curtis; her daughters: Allison Curtis (Albert Mcdermond), Caitlin Curtis (Robert Conrath), and Emily Curtis (Randy Hays); her son Griffith Curtis (Lisa Mack); and her 8 grandchildren: Adelynn, Colby, Delaney, Penelope, Lorelai, August, Roman, and Maeve.

Details regarding a memorial service are still being planned by the family. Updates will be available once plans are finalized on this memorial site.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Columbia Pacific Food Bank in honor of Kelli.