Susan Kay Curtiss

Susan Kay Curtiss, 67 passed away September 23, 2016 at Pikes Peak Hospice Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She was born August 19th, 1949 in Ft. Bragg, N.C. to Robert and Della Curtiss.  After retiring from the military, their family moved to a farm in Mekinock, ND.  She began her education in a one-room school house (in the middle of nowhere) and then finished her elementary years in Mekinock.  Susan then graduated from Midway High School in 1968.  She married Glenn Schmitz in 1972 and they were blessed with their daughter Julie.   She attended the Hair Academy in Grand Forks where she graduated with a Cosmetology Degree.   Susan was also blessed with the opportunity to be a mother to four step-daughters (Sheila, Kim, Gina and Tracy) while married to David Spear in Larimore, ND.  After that, Susan and Julie moved to Emerado, ND.  From there She moved to Colorado where she spent 18 years close to her sister and then soon was joined by her parents.  After her father Robert passed away in 2005, she and her mother moved back to Grand Forks to be closer to home.  She moved to Pembina in 2013 after her mother Della passed away and opened a salon.  Susan’s heart truly belonged to Colorado’s mountains.  So in September of 2015 she moved back to Colorado Springs.  God gave her an amazing life where she built many great relationships with many wonderful people.  Susan had a free fun-loving, spit-fire spirt which everyone who knew her loved.   She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, darts, crafting, drawing, painting and sewing.  Because her parents instilled in her the value and importance of honoring those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Susan was an American Patriot at heart.  She shared her love of her country with those around her.   Susan is truly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.  She is survived by her daughter, Julie Johnson (Scott), Grand Forks, ND and four granddaughters, Karley Rygg, Amber, Haley and Jessica;  sisters, Muriel (Mia) Fowler, LaJunta, CO and Roberta Verano (Richard Allen), Colorado Springs, CO;  nephews, Sean Verano, Colorado Springs and William (Tess) Verano; and son, Rhett, Yukon, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Della Curtiss. Visitation will be at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday. October 25.  Followed by a prayer service at 7:00 pm.