Deborah Lee Curtis

Deborah Lee Curtis, 71, passed away on December 30, 2022, at Mercy Hospice of Johnston.

Deborah was born September 24, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa to Grant and Darlene (Lindsey) Willson. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1969. It was there that she met and later married Larry Curtis in 1970. Deb and Larry celebrated 52 years of marriage on November 28th this past year, something they were both very proud of. Deb and Larry raised 3 boys together, Ryan, Brad, and Neal. Being a mother of 3 boys required someone with grit and a big heart. Deb had both. No job was ever more important to Deb than being a mother. She retired from Principal Financial Group after 28 years of service. In retirement, she served as President of the Meredith Pines Association.

Deb stayed active by volunteering and giving her time to help others. She loved the Iowa State Fair, crafting/decorating, cooking, and camping. She loved lists…oh the lists! She was extremely organized and Deb always knew the right way to get whatever task was in front of her completed. She always took charge to make sure it was up to her standards. Deb kept a beautiful home and would decorate with all the trimmings every Christmas. She loved to entertain, which brought together her love for her family and friends, as well as a good meal. Deb was an outstanding cook. This is definitely a trait she has passed down to her boys. Larry and Deb enjoyed countless memories at the Iowa State Fair with the family. Deb wouldn’t miss a chance to people-watch, enjoy the latest food on a stick, and check out all the shows and buildings. Deb and Larry also had the opportunity to camp there a couple of times, which was a highlight. Deb and Larry spent the last decade camping and enjoying time together at a slower pace. Deb loved the chance to have family and friends come out to wherever they were camping and spend time visiting and sharing a meal together. While at home, Deb loved spending time with her dogs. Her dogs over the years have always held a very special spot in her heart.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Curtis; children, Ryan (Lisa), Brad (Kelli), and Neal; siblings, Tracy Willson and Ed (Terry) Willson; eight grandchildren; Kayla, Carter, Emma, Haley, Megan, Macy, Madison, and Wyatt: five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Cliff Willson; and daughter-in-law, Dana Doty Curtis.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2023, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, also at the funeral home, and will be followed by burial at Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation online at blueribbonfoundation.org or mailed to Blue Ribbon Foundation P.O. Box 57130 Des Moines, IA 5031. Contributions may also be directed to MercyOne Johnston Hospice Care in loving memory of Deborah. Please mail to 5820 Winwood Dr. Johnston, IA 50131

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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