Edna Curtiss, 89, died on Saturday, January 30, 2009 at Oakland Park Nursing Home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Mark Helgeland officiating. Burial will follow at Woodman Cemetery in Middle River, MN.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.

Edna Lee Curtiss was born on October 7, 1920 to Arthur and Eunice (Crouse) Thompson in the town of Murray in Calloway County, KY. When she was a young child, her father, Arthur passed away. She was raised by her Mother and Step-father, Herman Tidwell. On July 28, 1936 Edna was baptized and confirmed by submersion in a pond associated with the United Church of Christ which she was a proud lifelong member. As a child she attended country school through eighth grade. Ednas family farmed tobacco in Kentucky and she proudly worked with them suckering tobacco, a process of pulling the middle part of the tobacco plant so the leaves would grow larger. This is where she learned an appreciation for hard work.

In July of 1938 Edna was united in marriage to William Howard Stone. To this marriage a daughter, Wilma Jean was born. In 1940 William passed away. Edna then started work at the War Defense Plant where she made the ammunition for the soldiers during World War II. During her work there, she met Harry Vernon Curtiss. They were united in marriage on December 13, 1945 and to this union their daughters Pat and June were born. Together they moved back to Harrys hometown of Middle River. Harry and Edna built their home there and raised their children, Wilma, Pat and June. Edna worked as a nurses aide at Northwestern Hospital in Thief River Falls. Her family was very important to her. According to Edna, Raising kids was one of the best things Ive done. When Harry died in 1978, Edna decided to move to Thief River Falls to be closer to her children and work. She continued to work as a nurses aide and also worked as a greeter at K-Mart and did alterations for Mr. Duanes. After her retirement, Edna kept busy with sewing, knitting, and her favorite pastime, keeping up with the Minnesota Twins! She knew every player and all of their individual statistics and got to enjoy a game at the Metrodome with granddaughters Stacie and Cindy. She also enjoyed attending all of her grandchildrens basketball games throughout the years.

In 2003 she moved to Oakland Park Nursing Home where she lived until her death.

Edna is survived by her children, Jean (Robert) Russel of Sheridan, WY, Pat (Richard) Kruta of Thief River Falls and June (John) Kruta also of Thief River Falls; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 10 great great-grandchildren; brother, Charles (Ella) Tidwell; several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; brothers, Edwin and H.L.; sisters, Treva and Earlene; great-grandchildren, Derek and Adam.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Lois Peterson
SPECIAL MUSIC: Granddaughter, Rebecca Kruta; Lois and Lois
SELECTIONS: Rebecca " There You'll Be by Faith Hill,
Lois and Lois - Amazing Grace , In the Garden
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: How Great Thou Art
CASKETBEARERS: Steve Kruta, Jamie Kruta, Chris Kray, Wade Bloom, Laverne Sorter, Joe Bukowski.
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: All of Ednas Grandchildren