Ronald Wayne Curtis

     It is with great sadness, yet celebration of a robust, long, Christ-centered life that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Dr. Ronald Curtis of Fowler, Michigan on July 16, 2025, at the age of 88.
     A Memorial Service will be held at the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church (MRCCC), 410 S. Maple Ave., Maple Rapids on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be from 10 A.M. until the time of service at the church, with Pastor and good friend Jerry Kissling officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church. Interment of cremains will be at the Sowle Cemetery in Essex Township at a future date.
     Ron was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 29, 1937. His early years were spent in Grand Rapids, Zilwaukee, and Saginaw. He attended Cedar Lake Academy graduating in 1955. He enlisted in the US Army and served most of his three years in South Korea. Following separation from the Army, he attended Andrews University, followed by Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.
     Ron was a very generous and engaged person. He practiced dentistry for 35 years in Lansing, Jersey City, NJ, and Tecumseh retiring in 2000. He enjoyed sailboats, flying planes, horses, building projects and many other hobbies. He went on numerous medical missions with the Pathfinders organization, served as a volunteer reserve sheriff’s deputy and member of the mounted division in Lenawee County, built two houses with Habitat for Humanity, was a life-time member of the Michigan Dental Association, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration and a past-president of the Jackson District Dental Society. Besides his many hobbies, he was passionate about travel. He and his wife of 32 years, Laurie, enjoyed many road trips and were happy to say they had visited all 50 states. After Laurie’s partial retirement, they purchased an RV and enjoyed spending the winters in the warmer weather of Arizona, Texas, California, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina and the past 13 years in Florida.
     Ron was preceded in death by his parents Roy W. and Lorene Ella (Barrett) Curtis, step-mother Ruth Curtis, brothers: Gary and Glen Curtis; his sister Doris J. Curtis, step-sister Elaine McElmurry, and special person Josie Rae Kissling. He is survived by his beloved wife Laurie, brother Lynden (Juanita) Curtis, sister-in-law Sue Curtis, step-sisters: Leore Bethune, Marilyn Mossman, and Sandy Kelso: his children: Rene (David) Setliff, Reggie (Susan) Curtis, Ronda Curtis, Jessi (Joe) McCrumb, Chris (Amanda) Rockwell, Nicki Curtis, and Rob Curtis; grandchildren: Fay (Chad) Richardson, Taron (Callie) Setliff, Veronica (Joe) Kelly, Victoria Curtis, Valerie (Zach) Curtis, Brock McCrumb, Mason Rockwell, Dakota Havens, Tessa (Colby) Manley, Shyanne (Evan) Arnett, and Alyssa Curtis; step-grandchildren: Bekah (Ian) Elliott, and Brandon Carlisle; great grandchildren: Brooklyn, Grant, Gabriel, Greyson, Kohl, Wyatt, Harper, and Piper; and his constant companion Hope the Corgi. In addition, it was his great honor and privilege to be a surrogate grandpa to the Travis kids: Julia (Jake) Kissling, Adam Travis, Zac (Cathy) Feldpausch, Brianna Travis, Kaleb Thompson, Sara Travis, and Levi Travis.
     In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to MRCCC or the Glioblastoma Research Organization. Envelopes will be available at the church. Online condolences for the family may be made at smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.