Mary Beesley Curtis
Mary Beesley was born November 14, 1927 in Pleasant View, Utah, the second child and only daughter born to Clay and Helen Beesley. Mary grew up on her father's fruit farm in Mapleton, Utah. She was a member of the Happy Sewing Circle 4-H club. Her skills allowed her to later sew dresses and pajamas for her three young daughters. Mary was an avid reader. As the only girl on a farm, it might be expected that Mary would share the household and kitchen responsibilities with her mother. Not so, Mary's books took priority with her mother's blessing. Mary attended Springville Junior High School and High School. She spoke in each school's graduation ceremonies, graduating with honors. English and journalism were her interests, winning contests in each.
Mary was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, involved in Seminary, pageants, and dance performances.
Mary graduated from Brigham Young University, with degrees in Journalism and Education. She began her teaching career with a 2nd grade assignment at Mapleton Elementary.
Ina Miner Sturlin, Mary's closest friend through school, introduced Mary to Gene Curtis. They were married June 2, 1951. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.
Gene and Mary made their first home in Jackson WY, where she also taught school. Gene was employed in the family business in Jackson but soon joined the Wyoming Highway Patrol. They moved to Lusk WY where their first daughter was born. Mary became the highway patrol dispatcher, working from home.
The family was transferred to Afton, Wy. where their second daughter was born. Subsequent transfers moved them to Laramie, then to Cheyenne WY. where their 3rd daughter was born.
Mary resumed teaching in Cheyenne, teaching kindergarten at Hebbard Elementary many years.
In 1967, the family transferred once more to Rock Springs WY where Mary also taught at Yellowstone Elem. There, Mary began experiencing depression, which led to her untimely death in 1971.
Mary enjoyed singing and reading. She took advantage of all the extracurricular activities available for her daughters, enrolling them in dance, piano lessons, trampoline, tennis, and skiing lessons.
Mary was always quiet and gracious with her friends. Her dear friend, Ina, also moved to Cheyenne, and the two families spent much time together.
The world Mary knew
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