grave import

Obituary

Funeral services for Mrs. John Curtiss, 55, of 1101 South Starr avenue, who ended her life in the garage at home late Saturday, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the residence. The body was discovered by Mrs. Julia Griesel, practical nurse, who cared for Mrs. Curtiss Saturday in the absence of the special nurse engaged for the woman. Mrs. Curtiss long had been in ill health and suffered a nervous breakdown March 31 of this year. Her son, Loren, was found shot to death in a field near the Municipal airport in December, 1932. A shotgun was found near his body, and his death was accidental, according to authorities. Her failing health really dated from that time, relatives said today.
On Saturday afternoon the regular nurse was off duty for a time, and as in the past. Mrs. Griesel took care of Mrs. Curtiss. The latter went to her room and shortly thereafter informed Mrs. Griesel that she planned to take a nap and told her that it would not be necessary for her to stay with her. According to Mrs. Griesel, this was not at all an unusual circumstance. But about 5 p.m. when Mrs. Griesel visited Mrs. Curtiss' room with a glass of malted milk, she discovered the woman gone, and a search ended in the finding of the body in the garage. Mrs. Curtiss had ended her life by twisting a light cord about her neck kand fastening it to a nail, authorities reported. A physician was summoned, but the woman was past aid.
She was a life resident of Des Moines county, having been born near Middletown Feb. 4, 1880. She had resided in Burlington since 1900, and was married here that year to Mr. Curtiss who is transfer clerk at Union depot, employed in the railway mail service. Her maiden name was Mary Margaret McChesney. Mrs. Curtiss was a member of Williamson Memorial United Presbyterian church and of the Aid society there. Surviving are her husband; a son, Mac Alden Curtiss, West Allis, Wis.; a brother, Wallace E. McChesney, Oakland, Calif.; and two sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Swartz, West Burlington; and Mrs. S.A. Fulton, West Allis, Wis. The Rev. R.W. Jamieson, pastor of Williamson Memorial church, will officiate at the funeral and burial will be in Aspen Grove cemetery. Until 9 a.m. Tuesday, the body will be at the Burnett-Wallen funeral home, where friends may call.