Norma Whiting Curtis passed away Oct. 9, 2017, at the home of her daughter with her family at bedside.

Norma was born April 7, 1918, the daughter of early Harney County pioneers Ida Turner Whiting and George E. Whiting. She was born at the family ranch east of Burns. Norma was one of six siblings, Herbert, Lottie (Bossuot), Hilton, Wayne, and Audrey (Grisel Olsen).

From 1943 until Oregon began mail-in ballots, Norma served on the election board counting votes of Harney County voters. It was a social event (catching up with old friends) and hard work (staying past midnight to complete the required ballot count).

At her last high school reunion, Norma wrote that she had no hobbies. She discounted reading, gardening, car and sewing machine repair, as well as collecting. The Internet was her vehicle of research. Often late at night, she could be found in front of the computer, studying her subject. While others her age disdained computers, Internet, and email, Norma kept current with friends and family. For nearly 20 years, she volunteered at the Harney County Fair and Rodeo, as well as the Historical Society. She was also a member of the Harney County Rock and Relic Club.

In 1994, Norma was chosen as Queen Mother of Harney County. With this honor, she joined many of her own family who had previously been Queen Mother: Ida Whiting, Ella Whiting Luckey, Julia Hunter, and Ione Whiting.

In 1938, Norma Whiting married Howard Curtis. Their children included “Sonny” Roy Curtis, Patrick Curtis, Gayle Curtis Hoar, and Kelli Curtis Hendon. Roy and Patrick preceded Norma in death. Prior to her death, Norma had eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Donations in her honor can be made to the Harney County Historical Society and/or the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center.

As a family, we are incredibly grateful for the care provided over the years by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick and his clinic members, and for the services provided by the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center. We would also like to thank the Bend Hospice group for helping with end-of-life care.

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