Louise Maxine Curtis

Louise Maxine Curtis, daughter of the late J.O. and Martha (Jeffries) Mayse, was born on Aug. 24, 1941, in Lamar. She peacefully departed her earthly home and entered her Heavenly one on Jan. 30, 2026, at the age of 84 years. Louise attended all her formative schooling years in Lamar, and graduated in 1959. She enjoyed participating in school activities, especially serving as the drum majorette for the band. She also relished going to their turkey farm. Her dad would load down the back of the old truck with feed sacks full of feed that climbed above the cab. Dotti, her little sister, and herself would often ride on top of the feed sacks while her mom and her older sister, Ann, would ride in the cab with her dad all the way to the turkey farm in Jasper, nine miles away. One year, at that farm, they raised 25,000 turkeys from hatching to Thanksgiving delivery.  After graduation, Louise moved to Springfield and attended cosmetology school. Following her graduation from that school, she moved to California, where she stayed with her Aunt Zula in San Francisco for a bit. From there she traveled on to Hollywood and Los Angeles to further her cosmetology training. While in Los Angeles, she was on the “Price is Right” show. Louise loved all the flashing lights, bell ringing, and razzle dazzle. With her cosmetology training completed in southern California, she moved back to Springfield, to work in a hair salon.  While living in Springfield, Louise met the love of her life, Ronald Gene Curtis. They were united in marriage on June 10, 1962, in Lamar. Two children were born to this union, Tara and Christopher.
After purchasing the family farm in 1971, Gene and Louise moved their family from Springfield to Mountain Grove in 1972. It was an adjustment for Louise to leave the glittering city lights for simple country living. She could be heard saying, “I felt like I had moved to Green Acres.” However, it didn’t take her long before she looked forward to helping Gene with the beef cow/calf operation, with the exception of working the cattle. She took pleasure in feeding the calves, working in her garden, and tending her chickens and ducks, all while employed at the Mountain Grove Elementary School cafeteria. For several years it was her joy to serve the kids at the school where she made many new cherished friends. Later, she worked at the Brown Shoe Company for several years. Eventually, she transitioned to working full time with her daughter at the hair salon until she retired. Louise loved the Mountain Grove community and made many friends here. She treasured being in the Extension Club for many years, as they did many good things for the community and Newborns in Need. She participated in the “Look Good, Feel Better” program, which supplied wigs to people in need. In short, she enjoyed people and helping them. After retirement, Louise often spent time at the Senior Citizens playing Bingo, calling the Bingo numbers on Tuesdays, working the desk on Thursdays, eating lunch, playing cards, participating in the activities and visiting with people. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, meme and she loved her family dearly. She happily attended their school functions, church functions, ballgames and dance recitals. She also loved playing cards and board games with them. With her other family and friends, she liked playing Bingo. For relaxing in front of the television, she preferred to watch game shows. Louise was saved at a young age during a revival at a church one of her uncles pastored. Her act after salvation was to be baptized in the river. Always appreciating her grandpa and uncles preaching, she spent many hours listening to them as she grew in her faith. Church activities and singing in the choir were a pleasurable part of her church life. She loved the Lord Jesus and relied on Him at all times. One can only imagine the bright lights flashing and the bells ringing as Louise entered Heaven and beheld Jesus face to face. Upon arriving there, she would have also been welcomed by her son, Ronald Christopher Curtis; grandson, Kaleb Kurtis Affholder; her parents, J.O. and Martha Mayse; her sister, Ann Denny; her nephew, Greg Garber; niece, Jenny Harker; sisters-in-law, Joan Harker, Joyce Nunn and Lila Curtis; brothers-in-law, Norman Garber, Reggie Curtis, Paul Harker and Ed Kubisiak. She was also greeted by Ronald Gene Curtis, Otho and Beulah Curtis, Richard and Louise Affholder, and Dave Affholder.
Those still here on earth awaiting their reunion in heaven are one daughter, Tara (Affholder) Curtis, of Mountain Grove; one granddaughter, Kristin Gray (Jamon), of Norwood; four great-grandchildren, Hailey Hyde (Kyler), of Norwood; Addy and Kolt Gray, of Norwood; and Kadin Affholder, of Hartville; two great-great-grandsons, Kohen and Kolsyn Hyde, of Norwood; one sister, Dotti Garber, of Mountain View; two sisters-in-law, Nelda Kubisiak, of Licking, and Vi Curtis, of Mountain Grove; one brother-in-law, Brent Nunn, of Mountain Grove; and a host of relatives and friends that will miss her dearly. Gravesides services for Louis Curtis were held Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery with the Rev. Ralph Douglas officiating. Song selections were “I Can Only Imagine,” “Amazing Grace,” “Precious Memories” and “When We All Get to Heaven.” Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or Mountain Grove Senior Center. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.