Ardys Curtis

Ardys Arlene Curtis, 92, died July 9, 2014 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines.

Ardys was born January 10, 1922 to George and Edith Ashby at Norwood in Lucas County, Iowa. She grew up on the farm with her parents, three sisters and one brother, attended the Norwood Consolidated School where she met her true love, Vic Curtis. After graduation Vic moved to California and they continued dating by writing letters. Ardys enrolled in nurses’ training at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines, graduating in 1942. Once a nurse, always a nurse and her class of 17 were lifelong friends bonded by the experience. She worked at Broadlawns Contagious Hospital for seven months, then made the train trip to San Diego to marry Vic on May 1, 1943.

In California she worked as an office nurse and dental assistant. Ardys and Vic moved back to Iowa in 1951 and had two children, Susan and Jim. When both were in school, she went back to nursing at the fledgling Planned Parenthood, piloting a home- visit program, and continuing there for 17 years.

Ardys treasured people. She had friends young and old, and if she ever met you, she knew your life story and sent you cards and notes for your special occasions. When handwriting became difficult, she kept going with her typewriter. Ardys loved to bake and brightened many people’s day with a box of chocolate chip cookies. Her other specialties were banana bread, lemon poppy seed cake, and orange rolls. Ardys had the patience and ability for intricate crafts. She loved to give gifts and over the years shared many items she made. Ardys and Vic were ballroom dancers, loved traveling, and were true sweethearts and partners throughout their long and happy life together.

Ardys is survived by daughter Susan (Rick Knight) of Des Moines; son Jim (Gayle) of Chariton; granddaughter Sarah (Joshua Michel) and great-granddaughter Madelynne Grace of Ames; and grandson Joshua of Chariton. She was preceded in death by Vic, her parents, and her siblings, Alice, Marion, and Charlene.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5930 Indianola Avenue, Des Moines. The family will greet friends starting at 12:30 p.m. at the church. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to be shared between Bloomfield United Methodist Church, and Broadlawns Medical Center Foundation towards Nursing Alumni Projects.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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