Anna I. Curtis

WINTER HAVEN – Anna I. Curtis (nee Wilcox, Carroll), 89 of Winter Haven, FL, formerly of Kewanee and Sterling, IL left this world on April 11, 2023 to be with her heavenly father.

Anna was a loving wife, mother and grandmother; the matriarch of a large family whom she loved and was well-loved in return. Guiding her life was the decision to live her life as a follower of Christ. Born November 16, 1933 in Bridgeport, IL, she graduated from Wethersfield High School in Kewanee, IL and later earned an RN degree from Sauk Valley Community College, all while raising her four children. After receiving her degree, she became an OB Nurse at Community General Hospital, served the elderly at Sterling Care Center, and retired from Exceptional Care and Training Center as a Director of Nurses.  Throughout her career she served with compassion; she was known for sitting with the dying after her shift to ensure that no patient ever passed alone.

Anna married Harold Carroll in 1950 with whom she shared four children. They raised their family in Sterling, IL, where they were active members of the First Church of the Nazarene. After retiring to Winter Haven, FL, the two enjoyed a new life filled with friends and family.  Harold was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Anna put her nursing skills to work and lovingly cared for him until he passed in 2009.

Life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when Anna met and married Vernon Curtis. The two shared four joyful years making a home in Winter Haven. Anna learned to play shuffleboard, while Vern had to adopt her beloved Tampa Bay Devil Rays. As Anna’s illness progressed, they were inseparable as Vern made every day special for her. Anna would say that throughout her life, God has been faithful.

Anna is survived by her three children: Pamela Swenson of Winter Haven, FL, Esther (Todd) Covell of Sterling, IL, Johnnie (Pam) Carroll of West Chester, OH. Her oldest daughter, Debra Carroll, preceded her in death.  Anna has seven grandchildren: Joshua (Marisa) Swenson of Lakeland, FL, Matthew (Jassmin) Swenson of Houston, TX, Slain (Ashley) Covell and Aletta (Kurt) Danekas, both of Sterling, IL.  Hardy (Kaity) Carroll of Cincinnati, Caroline Carroll of Washington, DC, and Allison Carroll of Boston, MA.  Anna has three great grandchildren, Briggs and Otto Danekas and Sebastian Swenson.

Anna will be remembered and celebrated during services to be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Rux Funeral Home 507 S. Chestnut St. Kewanee, IL 61443. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by services officiated by Rev Dennis Owens at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow the services at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Kewanee.

Memorials may be directed to The Gideons International, for bibles to be placed in Anna’s name.

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