Jody Ann Curtis was born Oct. 9, 1969, in Lincoln, to Vernon and Sandra Sue (Peterson) Curtis and passed away Oct. 23, 2023, in Apache Junction, Arizona at the age of 54 years and 14 days.
She was the oldest of two children born. Jody was baptized and confirmed at the Seward United Methodist Church. She attended Seward Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1987.
Jody grew up on her family’s farm and always loved playing with the cats and dogs. She especially loved horses and got her first pony, named Sugar, when she was three and a half years old. Jody eventually outgrew Sugar and had several other horses throughout her life. She rode with her family and friends and was active in 4-H, Bluebirds, church, driving tractors and other farm activities.
After graduating, Jody took classes and trained at Associated Schools in North Miami Beach, Florida. She received her certificate in Tour and Travel and she excelled in this field. Jody spent most of her life as a travel agent and in the concierge service. She also worked at a feed store in Arizona as the assistant manager. Jody worked for a Lipizzan Horse show ranch, getting to ride and care for the beautiful white stallions as well as helping beginners to ride and manage their horses.
Jody also loved her English Mastiff dogs. She called her cats and dogs “the children” and her last three horses were nicknamed “the three amigos.” Jody loved riding her horse near the Superstition Mountains in Arizona, and she thoroughly studied and appreciated Indian Culture. She enjoyed listening to Indian flute music, the 1980s, and today’s modern rock music.
Those left to cherish her memory include her parents; brother, Jesse J. Curtis; aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends from all over the country.
Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 1, from 1 – 7:30 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward with family receiving friends from 5 – 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Seward United Methodist Church. A private inurnment and graveside service for the family is planned at Mount Pleasant Cemetery near Milford. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
