Helen Louise Curtis, 96, of Carthage, Il, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:10 AM at Wesley Village in Macomb, Il.
Helen Louise Hopkins Curtis was born on February 16, 1930, in Sterling, Illinois, to Vern Harold Hopkins and Erma Viola (Hoak) Hopkins. She grew up on the family farm, where from a young age she helped her brothers, Vernon and Donald, with chores and field work after her father’s accident. These early experiences fostered her lifelong love of horses, farm animals, and country living. She also enjoyed caring for and playing with her sister, Ruth. Helen attended a one-room schoolhouse, a considerable walk from her home, and graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1947.
Following high school, Helen worked in the office of a local grain elevator. In 1948, thefamily purchased a farm and moved to Hancock County, where Helen met Robert “Bob” Claude Curtis, who lived nearby. They married on February 3, 1952, and were blessed with three children: Robert Alan, Ann Louise, and Lorraine Kay (Lori).
During Bob’s service in the Army, Helen worked at the REA in Carthage and at Carthage College diner. After his return, they farmed the Curtis family farm together until their son married, after which they moved to Bob’s parents’ home in Bentley, where they spent the remainder of their married life. Helen cherished her years on the farm, raising her children and enjoying countless family adventures. Through all of this she managed to become quite the poet. She enjoyed writing poetry and had many poems published in newspapers and magazines.
Helen was deeply involved in her community throughout her life. She served as a 4-H leader for many years and was an FHA chapter mother at Carthage High School. She participated in jury duty often, worked in voter registration for Harmony Township, and contributed to the Carthage Extension Center’s Building and Grounds Committee, including organizing fundraising for an addition to the center.
