Dear Friends,
I wanted you to know our beloved Becki girl, Rebecca Ann Hart Curtis, passed away on August 17, 2019. She battled multiple sclerosis for so many years so bravely and was a pioneer in testing the first successful MS drug (Beta Interferon) at Walter Reed Army Hospital. This drug did not work for her but was very successful for many, many people. She never complained or bemoaned her predicament. She simply focused on living her life at every turn of this disease, working in her teaching profession as long as possible, and being a great mom, wife, and friend.
Becki was one of those wonderful, adventurous Army brats. It’s kind of a vagabond life. Living all over the world, moving on a moment’s notice, and frequently being the new kid in town. Born in Harrisonburg, Illinois, she landed in several military posts, camps, and stations. Those waypoints included Ft. Knox, KY, Ft. Benning, GA, Ladd AFB, AK, Ft. Lewis, WA, Presidio Monterey, CA, Arlington, VA, Baghdad, Iraq, Frankfurt, Germany, and Ft. Sill, OK.
She graduated from Oklahoma State University (go Cowboys!) and was one of the good sisters of Delta Delta Delta sorority (go Tri-Delt!). She got her master’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University (Go Lutes!). She was a wonderful teacher and ran the University of Southern California traveling graduate program at several places (Go Trojans!).
We met on a blind date at Ft. Sill – after that notable event she told her roommate she didn’t like me and if I called, she wasn’t in. Fortunately for me Becki answered the phone and relented for my second opportunity – the rest was a great love story. I don’t think her mom had planned on me showing up on her doorstep – and of course I was an Army guy so after our wedding off we went again for her second life running around the world for the next 25 years.
She is survived by daughter Sidney and her husband Jason and granddaughters Tegan and Eloise, by son Travis and his wife Katie and granddaughter Ada Rex; and brother Mike Hart and wife Sue and niece Stephanie and nephew Kirk.
She was so happy and appreciative of her friends and for all the countless good thoughts, visits and all the help and love you sent her way over the years. Many special thoughts for our beloved caregiver Tonya. She was part of our family for a decade, taking such good care of Becki. Becki had a remarkable life and we are all blessed for knowing her.
She’s a wonderful soul – I’m hoping she is speeding thru the universe right now doing all the things she loved and missed in this life. There’s really nothing to be done about this outcome. But maybe somewhere in your life is a person who might need a helping hand or just a kind word – think of Becki when you reach out.
Thank you all for your love and good thoughts all these years. Embrace your life and live it to the fullest.
Phil Curtis and Family
I always think of Becki with her amazing smile. As my Big Sister in TriDelt she was amazing…as my Friend, incredible. She is loved and missed by so many already. I will always think of the good times we had. Know you are singing with the Angels, dear Becki. Prayers for comfort and peace for Phil and each of you.
Becki is one of those people who come into your life and you immediately know she is a special person. She was beautiful, loved life, her children and Phil. Her love of life was infectious. She was an incredible multitasker and taught me so much. I was always in awe how Phil would call and tell her he was bringing home 10 of his “men” and it was no problem. She could whip together a gourmet meal without batting an eye. Amazing. I have so many memories of her and Phil that fill my heart with happiness. Becki fought this battle for so long. I pray she is with our Lord running around enjoying the beauty of eternal life and looking down on all of us and not wanting us to to be sad but to celebrate the memories and the happiness she brought to everyone. I for one, will always hold her close to my heart and thank the Lord for sending her into my life. I am a blessed person because He did.
Such a wonderful tribute!! Delta love ? ♥️
Steohanie Jones Adair