Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Zanita.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Zanita Curtis
OAKLAND, IL --- Zanita M. Curtis, age 88 of Oakland, passed away at 10:10 AM, Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at Heartland Christian Village in Neoga. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 15 at Oakland Cemetery, with Reverend Doctor Thomas Hawkins officiating. Visitation with the family will held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM Saturday at Standard Funeral Home in Oakland. Zanita Mantan was born on December 7, 1921 in Wheeler, Illinois, the daughter of Fred and Velma Britton Gillson. She was educated in several country schools in her early years, before graduating from Oakland High School in 1940. On May 11, 1941 she married Ermal Curtis in Oakland. He preceded her in death on August 30, 2004. Survivors include one daughter, Judy Reed and husband Larry of Newton; one granddaughter, Sadie Stark of South Elgin; one grandson, Eddie Stark and wife Sabrina of Oakland; one great-grandson, Charles Ermal Stark of Oakland; one sister, Mary Emma Thompson of Westfield; two sisters-in-law, Bertha Gillson of Westfield and Helen Curtis of Decatur; and several nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son Charles Curtis; two sisters, and two brothers. Zanita was a homemaker, farm wife, and enjoyed gardening and baking. She was a member of the Oakland Presbyterian Church for many years, and at the time of its closing became a member of the Charleston Presbyterian Church. She and her husband adopted two children, Charles Leon was born on July 21, 1951, and was a month old when they brought him home. Judy Ann was born on December 7, 1957 and was two weeks old when she came to live with them. On December 15, 1958 Charles was hit by a car as he got off the school bus, and was killed. He was seven years old. Zanita devoted her life to caring for her family, and moved from the family farm after her husband’s death in 2004. She was a resident at Brookstone Estates in Charleston, and finally the Heartland Christian Village in Neoga. A memorial fund is being established for either the Charleston Presbyterian Church, or Heartland Christian Village in Neoga.
