Elaine Litzkow Curtis was born on Feb. 1, 1925, in Chicago, Ill. to Frederick William and Elsie Rose (Fitzli) Litzkow.

She grew up in a creative family that enjoyed art and singing and good times at Bass Lake in Indiana.

She graduated from Calumet High School and worked as a legal secretary, meeting her husband Raymond Curtis at a Navy social dance. They moved to Niles, Mich. in 1951 and Ray worked at Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan. Elaine was the home support, raising two children and creating many opportunities for enjoying the beautiful Michiana outdoors and lake lands.

They were active members of the Prairie Club, a conservation and outdoors activities organization. These experiences led her on a path as an activist for the environment, peace and social justice.

They were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles.

In the spirit of her activism and for thirty years, Elaine wrote a column and had many articles that were published in the Niles Daily Star and the South Bend Tribune, and published a book of poems entitled Earth Songs.

Elaine also had a passion for art both as a student and watercolor, oil and collage artist. As part of her artistry, she enjoyed creative and organic food preparation. She continued creating watercolors her whole life.

Elaine and Ray moved from Niles to Colorado Springs in 2003. There they continued their social and spiritual activism as members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ and Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission.

Elaine, had a compassionate, generous and loving nature toward friends and family. She is survived by son, Scott Raymond Curtis of Naples, Fla.; daughter, Christine Curtis Hudson; son-in-law, Henry Hudson; two granddaughters, Sylvie and Claire Hudson of Colorado Springs, Colo.; her sister, Wyn Litzkow Hutchinson; nieces, Carole Hutchinson and Susan Wolff and great nieces and nephews and cousins. She is loved and will be missed.

Elaine passed away on April 19. She is preceded in death by her sibling, William Frederick Litzkow and husband of 56 years, Raymond Roddy Curtis.

If desired, donations may be made to First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 E. St. Vrain St., Colorado Springs, Co. 80903