Bette Carole (Tooley) Curtis

On a cold, snowy morning, December 6, 1930 the sound of a baby crying could be heard throughout the town of Rockport, Kentucky. Bette Carole Tooley had arrived right on schedule. Little did anyone know, she was destined to do such great things.

Her parents, Tom and Kate, owned a store/restaurant. Each morning at 4 a.m., Kate was at the store preparing breakfast and lunch for the miners to take to work.

By age 9, Bette was driving the old red truck all over Rockport, delivering groceries and lunches to the residents.

At age 8, she was the pianist for the Methodist Church, and from that point, her music career soared. Bette played the organ/piano for countless weddings, funerals, and events. She was both organist/pianist at Rockport Baptist Church playing for numerous cantatas, accompanying soloists and quartets. At Rockport Baptist Church, she also taught Sunday School for Beginners to Teenagers, and years of Vacation Bible Schools, and Wednesday evening classes.

That was just a sidebar; her passion was teaching school. She herself started first grade at age 4, allowing her to be a high school graduate at age 16. Bette entered Western Kentucky State College at 16, was married at 18, and graduated from college 17 years later.

She carpooled with colleagues to Saturday classes, and also in the Summer while raising a family. To say she stuck with it is an understatement.

Bette taught school in the Ohio County School System for 50 years, teaching at all schools and all grades. Of course, she also taught music.

Preceding her in death are (husband) James Edward Curtis, (parents) Tom and Kate Tooley, (brother) Bill Tooley, (sister) Thelma Mason, and brothers-in-law, Pete Mason and Jim Rigsby.

Surviving are her children John (Laura) Curtis, Kathryn Cardwell, Mark and Bryan Timothy Curtis, granddaughter, Emily-Kate (Dr. Wade) Taylor, and their children Caroline, Jack, and Henry, (sister) Hazel Rigsby, and several nieces and nephews.

Bette Carole Curtis left this life to claim her wings on January 26, right on schedule.

A special thanks to Dr. Vora’s office staff, Chase Franks, Dr. Bernie Buchanan and his office staff, Women’s Pavilion and Julie, April Cardwell, Barbara Hall, Ohio County EMS and Hospital for your expertise.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 30, 2021 at William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, Kentucky with Bro. Wayne Stewart and Bro. Charles Brownd officiating. Burial will follow in Echols Cemetery in Echols, Kentucky. Friends may visit with the family of Bette Carole Curtis from 11 A.M. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Due to health and public safety mandates, our capacity will be limited to fifty percent and facial coverings will be required.

Online condolences may be left for the family of Bette Carole Curtis by visiting her memorial tribute at www.danksfuneralhome.com.

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