Donna Jean Curtis

Donna Jean Curtis, 79, of Coloma & St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2011 at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00A.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. William Chu officiating. Burial will follow at Coloma Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Coloma United Methodist Church or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Donna's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Donna was born August 20, 1931 in Benton Harbor to Joseph C. & Elsie (Schaus) Heater. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1949, and earned an Associates in Science Degree from Lake Michigan College. On November 3, 1962, she married Robert Curtis in Coloma. Donna was employed by the Michigan Department of Social Services, retiring in 1996 after 24 years as a Child Support Specialist. Donna was a member of the Coloma United Methodist Church, St. Joseph Lady Elks Lodge #541, and was formerly a member of The EPWA, Berrien Hills Country Club and the Variety Club. In her spare time, she enjoyed golf, and boating on the beautiful lakes & waterways of Southwest Michigan. Donna is survived by her husband Robert; two sons-Courtney Allen Blanchard of Richland, WA, Townsley Robert Curtis of Coloma; three grandchildren-Eric Richard Blanchard, Andrew Courtney Blanchard, Camille Lydia Curtis; her sister Gloria (Wilson) Peters, and two brothers-David (Sue) Heater & John (Elizabeth) Heater, all of Hartford; her sister-in-law Jackie Curtis of St. Joseph; her brother-in-law Richard (Heidi) Curtis of St. Joseph; her devoted caregiver Lisita Wilson of Benton Harbor; and her canine companion “Chip” . Donna was preceded in death by her parents, and her son Richard Charles Blanchard in 1989.