Anna L. Curtiss

Anna L. Curtiss, 71, of La Grande, died April 17 at home surrounded by her family.

A graveside service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Grandview Cemetery.

Anna was born Jan. 1, 1937, to John and Gladys (Ratcliffe) Rom in Portland. She was raised and educated in Portland and attended two years of college at Columbia Basin College in Tri-cities, Wash.

She married William Curtiss on Oct. 17, 1955, in Downey, Calif. Anna moved to La Grande from Tri-cities about nine years ago. She owned and operated an art and craft boutique in Rockaway Beach, and also worked as a waitress and an apartment manager. But those who knew her say her greatest accomplishment was raising her five children and three of her grandchildren.

She enjoyed art, music, literature and theater, and was an accomplished oil painter.

Her open-door policy with children and teens made her home a safe haven to many who fondly called her Grandma or Grannie.

She is survived by her children, Mary DeWeber of Royal, Ark; Debra Kelsay of La Grande; William Curtiss, Jr. of La Grande; and Annette Curtiss of Spokane; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one step grandson, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; a daughter, Linda Bacon; and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande, 97850.