Mary Lou Curtis

September 9, 1937 – January 1, 2023

Mary Lou (Storie) Curtis, age 85, passed away at her residence surrounded by her loved ones on January 1st, 2023. She was born at home on a farm in Coolidge Arizona.

Mary was an avid singer. She sang in the church choir and was frequently asked to solo at special occasions. She was part of a folk singing trio “Mary, Kay, and Mabel,” that performed at social and civic events around town.

Mary was active in her community and in her church. She served as Deacon and Elder of Presbyterian churches in both Casa Grande and Chandler. She was active in the Beta Mu chapter of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority, raising money for a variety of philanthropic projects. Mary also served as president of the Casa Grande Valley Unit of the American Cancer Society, and as a member of the State Board of Directors. She planned and administered many fundraising events; so successfully she was presented with an award by the Governor. Additionally, Mary participated in Casa Grande Valley Cotton Wives and Women’s Club activities.

As much as Mary loved serving her church and her community, she loved her family even more. She married her high school sweetheart in 1957, and they traveled often together during Riftin’s work and throughout retirement. To support her children, Mary spent time as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She spent time getting her grandsons swimming lessons at her home in Phoenix and attended every sporting and school event.

Mary completed two years of college at the University of Arizona, and left school to support Riftin as they started a wonderful family together. In addition to raising a family, Mary worked in secretarial positions and as a teacher’s aide. She was loved by all and everyone she met was touched by her loving spirit and amazing smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Murrie Storie and Lucille Yates Storie, and her younger brother Marlin James Storie. She is survived by her husband, Loren Riftin Curtis; her youngest sister, Mona Kay (Storie) Copenhaver; two children Lori (Don) Steward and Kevin (Becky) Curtis, her four grandsons: Kyle (Erica Canez) Curtis, Matt (Victoria Nivison) Curtis, Holt (Zoe) Curtis, and Logan Curtis; and two great grandchildren: Ezra and MacKenzie.

A memorial service for Mary will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A reception will immediately follow the memorial. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to their favorite charity in Mary’s name.