De Lilah Mae Laird Curtis, beloved wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on August 18, 2026, in Payson, Utah, at the age of 96. She was born on June 7, 1930, in Dividend, Utah, to Sterlin Laird and Vada Mae Robinson. When De Lilah was 10 years old, her family moved to Payson, Utah, which became her cherished hometown and the place where she would spend much of her life.
De Lilah graduated from Payson High School and later attended Westminster College, where she studied education. She worked at Bradshaw Auto Parts for a number of years and was known for her hard work and dedication.
On July 15, 1949, De Lilah married the love of her life, Monte DeVere Curtis Jr. in Payson, Utah. Later they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 30, 1950. Together, De Lilah and Monte shared 77 years of marriage. Their relationship was a true love story, a lifetime of love, devotion, laughter, family, service, and memories. They built a beautiful life together and remained devoted to one another throughout their 77 years of marriage.
De Lilah was tiny in stature but had a big personality. She was known by those who loved her as tiny and spunky, with a determination and spirit that made her unforgettable. She had a way of doing things her own way and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her small frame never kept her from accomplishing big things, and her family will always remember the sweet, spunky woman she was.
De Lilah was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved sewing, knitting, painting, stained glass, quilting, crocheting, embroidery, and tatting. She was a truly gifted and creative artist who could look at almost anything and find a way to make something beautiful from it. She also loved cooking and baking and was especially famous for her cookies and fudge. Her hands were rarely still, and she found joy in creating things and sharing them with the people she loved.
One of her favorite things was traveling. She loved seeing new places and making memories with her family. Some of her happiest times were spent at Lake Powell, where she enjoyed many wonderful days surrounded by her family. The time spent together at Lake Powell created treasured memories that her family will carry with them for years to come. Whether she was traveling, enjoying the lake, creating something with her hands, or simply spending time with those she loved, she found great joy in life’s simple pleasures and in being together with family.
Her faith and service were an important part of her life. She served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with one of her favorites being serving the children in Primary. She also served in Young Women’s, Relief Society, and taught Temple Preparation. She spent countless hours indexing and extracting names for the Church. Her willingness to serve others and share her faith touched many lives.
De Lilah’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mom and grandma who took great pride in her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Monte DeVere Curtis Jr.; her children, Allen (Evelyn) Curtis of Payson, Utah; Keith (Guyla) Curtis of Minersville, Utah; and Cindy (Wally) Buhler of Payson, Utah. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her sister Sherlin Grill of Tintic, Utah.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sterlin and Georgia Laird and Vada Mae Robinson, and her four brothers and one sister, Raymond, Robert, Kenneth, Eugene, and Mary Karen.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith in her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, creativity, hard work, service, adventure, and, most of all, love for her family. She taught those around her through the way she lived her life. Her creativity, her spunky personality, her love of travel and Lake Powell, and the beautiful example of love she and Monte shared for 77 years will forever be a part of her family’s story.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, her children, grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was full, her love was lasting, and her legacy will live on through the many generations.
The family thanks Bonnie and Cory for their compassionate love and care of De Liliah.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 274 South Main Street in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.
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