Lora Lee Curtiss passed away peacefully on December 19, 2023.

She was born October 4, 1930, to Amelia and LeRoy Curtiss. She was the third of seven children.

She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Virginia in 1948, from the Junior College in 1950, and from Bemidji State Teachers College in 1952. After teaching first grade in Duluth, in Colorado Springs, Colorado and in Virginia, she often said, “I never got out of first grade.” She retired in 1991, after 39 years of teaching.

Lora Lee published seven books. A picture book: Who Wants to Wear Boots. Three historical novels written for children: Patsy 1900, Patsy 1930 and Patsy 1941. And two adult books: 39 Years in First Grade and Life Goes On. In 1992 she wrote the Virginia Centennial Album. Besides writing, she enjoyed reading, playing cards, going to casinos, and spending time with her family.

Lora Lee believed in sharing what she had. She said she wanted to give “while my eyes are open” rather than after her death. She derived great pleasure in being the “anonymous” donor of an elevator for the United Methodist Church, the “anonymous” donor of an ambulance for the city of Virginia, the “anonymous” donor of the van for the residents of St. Michael’s and St. Raphael's nursing homes and the “anonymous” donor of a large gift to the Olcott Park Fountain restoration. In 2015, in memory of her beloved sister Caroll Jeanne, she donated a much needed outdoor railing at her church. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Gillette Children’s Hospital also benefited from her gifts. She volunteered for many years in the Surgery Waiting Room at the Virginia hospital and was a volunteer at St. Michael's Health and Rehabilitation Center where she helped residents who enjoyed outings in the van.

She was a life-long member of the Virginia United Methodist Church and an active member of the Virginia Area Historical Society.

Lora Lee is survived by her brother Robert Curtiss and his wife Judith along with fifteen nieces and nephews who adored her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Melvin Curtiss, sisters Caroll Curtiss, June Williams, Pat Stark, Elaine Linder, and niece Patti Lanhart.

She requested no funeral service. Her loving and slightly rebellious family will honor that request but will have a Celebration of Life for her on July 20, 2024 at noon by the fountain in Olcott Park. She was too dear not to be celebrated. If you wish to honor her, give while your eyes are open, to your favorite charity in her name.

Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .