Sonja "Sunny" Olivia Curtis was born on December 8, 1940, in Spokane, Washington to Arvin Norman and Evelyn Mae Peterson. The second born of four daughters, her home was full of faith, love, laughter, and music. These characteristics became the fabric of Sunny's life, and she would raise her children by them.

Her father owned and operated Peterson's Jewelry as a watchmaker, clockmaker, and goldsmith. When he wasn't working in the jewelry store, he was an extremely talented and esteemed piano player for the Fred Welk Band. Sunny and her sisters idolized their daddy and would spend hours listening to him play. Music continued to be woven throughout her life.

Although she never learned to play an instrument, Sunny was a Maestro of the stereo. She loved every genre and enjoyed listening to music in many formats as they were developed through the decades. An avid concert goer, there wasn't a band she didn't like. But none spoke to her heart like her favorite: Bob Dylan! The poetic genius of Bob Dylan's songs captured her. She knew every word to every song on every album Bob Dylan released.

Sunny married the love of her life, Alan Curtis, on June 22, 1974, in Spokane, Washington. Together they raised a blended family of 11 children. Alan and Sunny relocated the family to Priest River, Idaho in 1985 and enjoyed the slower pace of country living. She loved spending time in her little English garden she designed outside their beloved Victorian house. The sound of grandchildren running around the property filled her cup to overflowing!

Sunny knew no strangers. She was loving and accepting of everyone she met and was genuinely interested in who they were as a person. She had a way of lighting up the room just by walking in. Having a friend in Sunny meant you had a friend for life. She could find the good in every circumstance and always saw the best in people.

Sunny passed away on July 22, 2023, in the Hospice House of Coeur d Alene, Idaho. She loved her children deeply and was their biggest fan! Her grandchildren were her greatest muse and source of pure joy. Her husband was her life partner and her best friend. Indeed the world is a better place having had her in it!

Sunny is survived by her husband, Alan Curtis, her children: Jack (Stacia) Curtis, Chris (Jenny) Curtis, Carrie Foote, Edward Curtis, Shane DeChenne, Wilfred DeChenne, Dorothy (Adam) Ackerman, Chelsea (Mark) Earls, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sunny is proceeded in death by her parents, Arvin and Evelyn Peterson, sister Lynda Petty and husband Jerry, daughter Heather Kawamoto, brother-in-law Don McCauliff and sons John Curtis and Gary Curtis.

Sunny's Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 12th, 2023, at 3:00 pm at House of the Lord church located at 754 Silver Birch Lane, Oldtown Idaho 83822. In Lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation in Sunny's honor to Shriners Children's Hospital of Spokane by visiting: LovetotheRescue.org