Elizabeth Curtis

Beth Curtis, born Myrtle Elizabeth Fisher in Worcester, Massachusetts on February 4, 1925, died peacefully on December 30th, 2011, surrounded by her family.

For thirty years she was an active member of the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, drawn to its outreach programs for helping the needy via the Shepherds Center. For the last fifteen years she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Indianapolis. Her life was guided by the lodestar of the church as well as by family and her commitment to education. Raised as an ardent Swedish Baptist, she was a virtual pacifist and a lifelong advocate of the autonomy of the local church, the private interpretation of Scripture and the separation of church and state.

For 23 years, she taught U.S. History at North Central High School, and served as chairperson of the Social Studies department her last ten years of teaching, retiring in 1993.

On July 7th, 1945, she was married to Richard K. "Dick" Curtis, and is survived by her husband; her three children, Stephen, David and Laurel; as well as by four grandchildren, Emily, Brian, Gregory and Virginia; and three great-grandchildren, Tyus, Kyler and Rylan Payne.

Her ready smile and kindly words will be greatly missed, for to know her was to love her.

A private family service will be followed by a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 14 at the First Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, The Salvation Army or to Goodwill Industries. No flowers if you please.

Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Cremation Services.