Curtis, Linda Jean Curtis
Linda Jean Naegle Curtis returned to her heavenly home on January 7, 2016 after a valiant battle with a long illness. Linda was born to Conrad Keeler Naegle and Betty Jean Robson in Mesa, Arizona on April 26, 1948. She graduated from West High School in Phoenix, AZ where she served as Girls League Student Body Secretary and excelled in public speaking. While attending Phoenix College, she served as Honor Board Officer, President of Associated Women's Students and President of Phi Theta Kappa. During her studies she was chosen to take part in the Experiment in International Living where she traveled and lived abroad in Germany. She was also listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and later in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Linda graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Home Economics. She was a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron, Kappa Delta Pi, and Phi Lamda Theta. She was awarded the Arizona State University Alumni Medal of merit. In October of 1972 Linda began serving a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the New England States Mission. Upon completion of her missionary service, she taught Home Economic in Tolleson, AZ for several years before continuing her education at Brigham Young University in early childhood education. Linda was a patient and supportive teacher with a passion for literacy, developing parent-teacher teams, and student self-esteem. She taught briefly in Utah before returning to Arizona where she spent the majority of her career teaching at Johnson Elementary school in the Mesa Public School District. During her tenure there, she was selected as both Educator of the Month and Educator of the Year for Mesa Public Schools. In 1990, Linda was honored as one of 5 Ambassadors of Excellence for the State of Arizona and served throughout the year by visiting and speaking at school districts and educational conventions. During that time she met her "Prince Charming", Larry Curtis, and they were married March 9th 1996. To Linda's delight, Larry came with a ready-made family of 6 children. Through these relationships Linda experienced the delights of being a mother and grandma. She enjoyed developing relationships with each of them as they visited or moved to Arizona. Her family was always of the utmost importance and treasured the times they shared. In 2003, she sadly left teaching due to mounting health issues. Her last years were challenging, but Linda met them with a cheerful smile and positive attitude. She was continually sustained by the support of her husband, family, faith, and by her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She spent her life in faithful service by serving in positions of leadership and educational roles in the Church.
Linda will be remembered for her love of her country, nature, and study of her pioneer ancestors that helped settle southern Utah and Mesa, AZ. She blessed the lives of everyone around her with her vivacious personality, artistic talents, and her cheery, recognizable greeting- "Aaaaaaahaaaaaa!" She is survived by her husband Larry, his 6 children (from his first wife), David & Jo Curtis, Steven Curtis, Tricia & Charles Phillips, Kevin & Nic Curtis, Scott & Liz Curtis, Sheri & Kevin Tye, 15 grandchildren, her brother John Conrad Naegle, his family, sister Clarene (Carrie) Naegle Butler and her family. A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, January 19th 2016, at the LDS Church building located at 825 South 32nd Street, Mesa Arizona. A viewing will occur from 9:30-10:30am followed by services at 11:00 am. Burial in the City of Mesa Cemetery.
 

Published in The Arizona Republic on Jan. 13, 2016