Helen Curtis

Helen Curtis, 84, journeyed on Sunday, July 19. Born Helen Coffman, one of five children, to pioneer family Ike and Lola, began her life in a small cabin on a Jacksonville hillside October 15, 1930. She was raised in Jacksonville, graduated school there, and on May 4 1948 married Elmer Tompkins. Mom lived for a time in Texas with her Air Force husband, later for a time between Jacksonville and Happy Camp California, but the majority of her life was rooted in the firm ground of her heritage, the Rogue Valley. Mom worked seasonally for Harry and David, and later was employed by Cascade Wood products where she worked for 11 years.

Mom enjoyed the outdoors, a joy she shared with her companion of thirty years Harold Stevens, living on a ranch, hiking or riding horses in the Southern Oregon Mountains.

Mom was an exceptional woman: strong, independent; devoted to her family, she was the anchor that held you in place until you found your direction, the compassionate shoulder to leave your tears, the loving strength that held you until your found your own, the one person that could be counted on to care for you when none else in the world would.

She is survived by her sister G.C. Wales, her two children Shelley Hale, and Ryk Tompkins, three grandchildren and nine great Grandchildren.

Mom’s final resting place is the IOOF section in Jacksonville cemetery.

Love you, Mom; joyously journey in those heavenly hills, and though your footsteps are no more here there are gardens where you walked.

Arrangements under the direction of Abbey Funeral Inc, MEDFORD, OR.