Ruth Irene Curtis, passed into the loving arms of the Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital. She had an failing heart in her last couple of years. 

Ruth was born on July 10, 1944, in Dunagen, Missouri, to Edna Anna Ward and George Thomas Swartwood. She later grew up in Wheatridge, Colorado. She met Bobby Gean Curtis and they were married December 2nd, 1960. Ruth and Bobby made their way to Delta and made the Western Slope their beloved home for the next fifty-four years. She raised two wonderful kids who reside and serve in this community today. She was an avid homemaker, gardener, loved to bake yummy goodies, was a seamstress, and poured her life into her husband, children, and church. Later in her life she accomplished something remarkable. She received her GED through the Delta/Montrose Vocational Technical School. She then earned her Licensed Professional Nursing certification at the age of fifty from the same institution, and then her Bachelor’s Science in Nursing and her Registered Nursing license from Excelsior College at the age of sixty. She practiced nursing up until eighty when she retired. She was well known for her strong work ethic and her gentle and loving care of elderly clients in retirement homes.

Ruth is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Bob Curtis, of Delta, CO; her children Natalie Kop (Mike), of Cortez, CO and Jeff Curtis (Bonnie) of Delta, CO; brother Robert Swartwood of Loch Buie, CO; grandchildren Bryan Kop, Brianna Rossman, Shelby Curtis; and great-grandchildren Eli, Jace and Casey Kop; Emma and Skyler Rossman; and Jacob Curtis. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Edna & George Swartwood, Roy Swartwood, sister Charlotte Beisinger and grandson Jeffrey Curtis. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to the CRU Ministry at PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222.