Della Arlyne Curtiss

Della Curtiss, 94, passed away July 31, 2013 at the Hatton Prairie Villiage, Hatton, ND. Born March 30, 1919 to Delbert and Gunda Bye, Gilby, ND. She attended grade school in Gilby and graduated from Central High School, Grand Forks, ND in 1936. Della attended nursing school in Portland Oregon upon graduation in 1940 as an RN; later joined the Army Nurse Corps. Shortly after meeting and marrying Lt. Robert (Bob) Curtiss she became a homemaker and a mother-to-be. Della accompanied Bob as his military career took them from Missouri to North Carolina, Kentucky and Japan. Upon retirement from active duty in 1957, Bob and Della bought a farm and settled near Mekinock, ND with their three daughters. Over the next 30 years Della was active in ladies aide, homemakers and had joined the Ness Lutheran Church. Friends and neighbors were always welcomed with a hot cup of coffee, fresh baked goodies and a smile. She was in her realm. The rough winter and flood of 1997, prompted Bob to decide that being they weren't getting any younger, they should be closer to their three daughters in Colorado; so they moved to Lajunta. In 2005, Bob made plans to move he and Della back to North Dakota; news that made Della ecstatic. Prior to departure day of September 25th, Bob became ill, but sent Susan and Della on ahead to get settled at Country Estates in Grand Forks, planning to join them later. On October 8, news came that Bob had passed away in Colorado. Susan and Della resided there until June of 2008 when Della moved into Hatton Prairie Village where she received the most wonderful care. While there she was recognized and honored several times by the American Legion Post of Hatton. Della enjoyed puzzles, reading, music and especially cards. She had a great sense of humor and always had an encouraging word for everyone. Still remembering her with love are her three daughters, Muriel (Mia) Fowler, LaJunta , Co. Susan Curtiss, Pembina, ND and Roberta Verano, Colorado Springs, Co. granddaughter, Julie (Schmitz) Johnson (Scott) Grand Forks, ND and four daughters Karley, Amber, Haley, Jessica. grandsons Sean Verano, Colorado Springs, Col. And William (Tess) Verano, Yukon, Oklahoma. Della was preceded in death by her parents, brother Allen Bye, Wa. sisters, Myrtle (Ivan) Bangle, Gilby, ND. Irene (Orphus) Martin, Minneapolis, MN. And husband Robert Curtiss, Camden, NJ. Nicknamed "The Queen", Della lived her life with kindness, generosity, and her unbroken promise "What's said here stays here" earned her the trust and respect of anyone that ever confided in her. Like the true friend she was, she in return had many wonderful true friends she cherished all of her life. MEMORIAL SERVICES: 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 9th at Amundson Funeral Home. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service. INURNMENT: Prairie Home Cemetery, Gilby, ND. A guestbook may be signed or viewed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com