Curtis "Curt" Leroy House

December 12, 1933-July 6, 2023

Scottsdale, Arizona: Our Dear Curt-Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather went to his heavenly home on July 6, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

Born Curtis Leroy House on December 12, 1933 to James Evan and Ruby (Page) House in Benton Illinois. Evan was a schoolteacher and a Baptist Minister, which Curt was extremely proud of. Curt grew up farming, hunting and fishing. He graduated from Benton High School where he was active in drama. He played the leading role in the play “Cheaper by the Dozen.” After graduation, he attended Southern Illinois University. He was an excellent marksman, and in college joined the ROTC Rifle Team. Curt worked with an aunt and uncle in their greenhouse, and with another uncle as a roofer during the summers.

He later decided to leave school and married Marsha Gail Doughty, the love of his life, on June 3, 1956. After mailing their wedding invitations, Curt received his Army draft notice and left for base camp three weeks after their wedding. He later was stationed in the state of Washington and there his wife was able to join him. He became the Unit Clerk as he was the only one in his unit that could type and served two years.

From Washington, Curt and Marsha returned to Southern Illinois where Curt worked for a finance company. He later decided to return to school and moved his family back to Carbondale, Illinois to finish his degree. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance and minor in botany at SIU. In 1969 they moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where he joined Valley National Bank as a Trust Officer where he retired after 20 years. He was an avid photographer and owned Frye’s Photo, a camera store in downtown Mesa Arizona. There he bought and sold cameras and equipment and provided a drop off service for film developing. He later closed the store after 11 years. Curt had several photos published. Most recent was a picture of a squirrel he taken in his backyard that was published in the newspaper.

Curt and Marsha were members of First Southern Baptist Church of Scottsdale for over 54 years. He was a Deacon and served on various committees. He was one of the members who proudly broke ground for the new Sanctuary, currently the Fellowship Hall.

Curt was famous for his wit, humor, and one liner responses. He would sometimes be joking, and it would be taken seriously. Even in his last days he made us laugh at some of his responses.

Curt loved his family fiercely, especially the kids. He worked hard and was always there for his family with guidance, advice and support. He aided anyone who needed help. He taught his kids and grandkids the love of photography, fishing, and gardening. Most of all he taught kindness and love. He always said God first then family.

Curt is survived by his wife, Marsha of 67 years, his two children, Cheryl Lynn (David) Enriquez from Scottsdale, Arizona and Curtis David House from Ferndale, Washington; his three brothers James Evan Jr. (Kathy), Ronald K. (Diana) and Larry W. (Martha) House, six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

We love and miss Curt immensely and find peace and comfort knowing he was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior and his parents.

The family would also like to thank Arizona Life Hospice and their wonderful staff for the excellent services Curt received while under their care. They also provided much needed support to the family for which we cannot thank them enough.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations to St. Mary’s Food Bank. The website is https://www.firstfoodbank.org/ in Curt’s name.

A visitation for Curtis will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Southern Baptist Church, 5230 North Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the House family.