Barbara S. (Sheedy) Curtis' Obituary
Barbara S. “Barb” (Sheedy) Curtis, 87, of Decatur/Mt. Zion, got her wish early on Tuesday morning, February 19, 2019, to no longer see doctors; to breathe easier and to once again be with her husband, son, parents and granddaughter. Barb was born on October 20, 1931 in Pawnee, Illinois to Maurice P. and Margaret A. (McCart) Sheedy. Both precede her. One brother, John (Joan) Sheedy of Springfield, IL., survives. A graduate of Pawnee High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Glen D. “Tony” Curtis on September 11, 1954. He has been waiting for her in heaven since October 18, 1993. From this union they raised 8 children: Janet (Mike) Patterson and Alan (Faith) Curtis of Decatur, IL; Bruce (fiance’ Lori Ranzino) Curtis of Irving, TX; Craig (Amy) Curtis of Springfield, IL; Doug Curtis of Decatur, IL; Rita (Sam) Ross of Normal, IL; Eric (Teresa) Curtis of Fuquay-Varina, NC; John (fiance’ Katrina Patterson) of San Antonio, TX. Infant son Jeffrey preceded her. “Baabaa” will be truly missed by her grandchildren: Jill (Bill) Curtis Perdue; Kristi (Eric) Shell; Brent (Ashley) Curtis; Austin Wells; Tyler Ross; Jacob Patterson; Susannah (Zach Johnson) Patterson; Jack and Abbey Curtis; Hank and Dean Curtis. Infant granddaughter Margaret preceded her. Sadly, her great-grandchildren, Hayden Curtis and Audrey Johnson, won’t be able to make more memories with her, but will cherish the ones they do have. Barb is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
In between raising her large brood, Barb drove a school bus for St. Patrick’s Grade School and Mt. Zion School District. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital as an Aide and drove the VIP van. She was a volunteer at St. Patrick’s School, Meals On Wheels, God’s Shelter of Love and Faith In Action. Her Catholic faith was of great importance to her and got her thru the difficult times with life and her health. Her hobbies were her children and later, her grandchildren. She loved to attend as many school activities and sport events as she could. Her husband provided for her well after his death with the ability to travel to Ireland, Italy, where she saw the Pope in Rome, London, Canada, Aruba, St. Thomas, Alaska, to name a few, and other cities across the U.S., visiting her out-of-state family, friends, children and grandchildren. Barb was a breast cancer survivor and walked her lap when she was able to out at Richland Community College for the yearly Relay for Life.
Barb’s Visitation will be on Friday, February 22, 2019. at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL., from 4 pm. to 8 pm. Her Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 407 E. Eldorado Street, Decatur, IL. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at Calvary Cemetery, Pawnee, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Meals On Wheels, 247 W. Prairie Avenue, Decatur, IL. 62523 or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 407 E. Eldorado Street, Decatur, IL. 62523.
The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and Imboden Creek Living Center who have taken care of Barb over the last few months/years on her medical journey. View the obituary and send condolences and memories to the family, in care of Moran and Goebel Funeral Home www.moranandgoebel.com. Rest now ole Batty. Walk tall. Talk long and often. We will cherish the memories of flyswatters and Hot Wheels tracks and bonfires. We love you tremendously and miss you already.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?