Loretta Curtis

Loretta (Ernst) Gehle Curtis, 93, of South Bend, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015, in Ironwood Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Loretta was born November 20, 1921 in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late August and Estella (Eutzler) Ernst. She grew up in Buchanan, Michigan, and was a graduate of Buchanan High School. During her adult life she lived in South Bend and Florida.

Loretta was a homemaker and enjoyed traveling.

Loretta was preceded in death by her first husband, William Gehle in 1972; her second husband, Alexander Curtis in 2005; two sisters, Sara Jane Flury and Rose Lynn Panic; five brothers, Chancy Ernst, E.J. Ernst, George Ernst, Bruce Ernst and Irven “I.C.” Ernst; and a nephew, Fred Flury.

Loretta is survived by three step children, Anthony (Melody) Curtis, Robert (Dr. Betty) Curtis and Donald (Jeannine) Curtis; several step grandchildren; three nieces, Loretta Wasmuth, Estella Moore and Irene Gaylor; a nephew, Bill Ernst; and a close friend, Jane Hestad and her family.

Services will be held at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4, in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, with Steve Nani officiating. Private burial will take place Thursday at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Visitation will be from 3:00 - 3:30 pm Wednesday in the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.