Kristi Ringo Curtis passed away on June 19, 2021, at her home in Bremen.

Kristi Ringo Curtis

She was born on Aug. 13, 1959, in Linton, to Bill and Paula (Skomp) Ringo.  She was a member of the Bremen United Methodist Church.

Kristi attended elementary school in Sullivan, middle school at ISU Lab School in Terre Haute and she graduated from Bremen High School in 1977.  She attended Indiana State University where she met the love of her life, John R. Curtis.  They were married Feb. 9, 1980.  John’s love for Kristi was clearly visible through his devotion to her during their 41 years of marriage. He was not only a devoted husband, he was her best friend and faithful caregiver.

Kristi worked at Target for 13 years, both in Plainfield and Lafayette. Later, she was a teaching assistant at the United Methodist Church Preschool in Bremen. She loved working with the small children until her disease prevented her from continuing her job.

Kristi loved living in Bremen. Her final request was to take a ride around Bremen. Just days before her death, arrangements were made for her to cruise the town in a convertible, driven by her sister, Kerry, and accompanied by her mother and her caregiver, Cyla.  She was especially appreciative of the firemen who came to put her in and out of the car. It was a day of joy and excitement for her.

Kristi fought a long and brave battle for many years and she spent the last five years bedridden. Throughout these difficult years, she never lost her caring and compassion for others.  Also, Kristi did not lose her sense of humor, her heartwarming smile and her alert mind.  She dearly loved her family and cherished visits and cards from family and friends.

Typical of Kristi’s giving character, three years ago she began planning to donate her brain to science.  Arrangements were made to transport her body to a medical facility where research of her rare disease, Chorea Acanthocytosis, will be conducted.  Recently, the research center at Mt. Sinai in New York, asked for permission to also use tissue from several organs. Most important to Kristi was the hope that her donation would help others who have, or could have, this debilitating disease.

Survivors, in addition to her husband and parents, include her two children, Justin Curtis, Indianapolis, and Katie (Eric) Williams, Fishers.  The greatest gift during Kristi’s last five years, was the birth of her precious granddaughter, Audrey Marie Williams.  Other survivors include her two loving sisters, Kim (Joe) Berretto, Hilton Head Island, S.C., and Kerry (Rex) Huff, Bremen.  She also leaves behind two nieces, two nephews and three special aunts.  In addition to family members, she is survived by special friends: Cyla, Alex, Judy, Linda, Liz, Pastor Lynn, Ann and the many wonderful people from Hospice.

Family and friends may call for one hour prior to the 1:30 p.m. Memorial Service, Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

If so desired, donations in Kristi’s memory may be sent to Neuroacanthocytosis Advocacy, C/O Joy Williston, 2285 Harlock Road, Melbourne, FL  32934.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.