Bernice Irene Lau Curtis
Bernice Irene Lau Curtis passed away May 29, 2022. She was born on February 27, 1933 in Centerfield, Utah to Doyle T. Shaw and Alice B. Hone. Bernice grew up in Salina, Utah with her 4 brothers; Clair, VerLynn, Duane and Rodger Shaw. After the passing of her father Doyle, her mother Alice remarried to Dan Osborn.
Bernice met Dee Lau in Salina, Utah and they were married in Tacoma Washington on November 9, 1953. Together they raised four children: Marie, Kathy, Craig and Doyle in Southern California. Bernice and Dee loved spending time with their children and 16 grandchildren, and had 38 1/2 wonderful years together before Dee passed away on July 31, 1992.
In 1994, Bernice met Gene Curtis at a senior center dance in Overton, Nevada. They were married a few months later in Salina, Utah. Gene had 3 daughters: Mary Lou, Helen and Ruth. Together, Bernice and Gene shared 26 grandchildren. Bernice had 54 great-grand children, and 9 great-great grandchildren.
Bernice had many talents and interests throughout her life including: dancing, singing in choirs, playing piano and organ, sewing, quilting, embroidery, ceramics, cake decorating, flower arranging, cutting hair, and serving in various church callings and volunteer assignments.
If you know Bernice, you know she has a deep love of animals, and her pets are her family. Over the years, she has nurtured several pet dogs and pet cats. To say she spoiled her pets is an understatement, they meant the world to her.
In 1986, she ran for Mayor of Salina but was defeated. After 18 months, the elected Mayor quit and Bernice was asked to run again for office, but she declined. Not long after, Bernice and Dee relocated to Overton, Nevada.
She spent 16 years as a volunteer EMT, including roles as EMT co-president, EMT secretary and scheduler for 10+ years. Bernice also set up the Logandale EMT station and created their schedule and program.
Bernice faced many challenges throughout her life, from being born prematurely to the many devastating losses of loved ones around her. Through various trials, hardships and illnesses, she remained resilient and always continued on.
She was preceded in death by both husbands: Dee Lau and Gene Curtis; brothers: VerLynn, Clair and Rodger; son, Craig Lau; and grandsons, Kevin Lau and Dylan Lau.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.(PST) at Moapa Valley Mortuary, 5090 N. Moapa Valley Blvd., Logandale, Nevada 89021. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (PST) prior to the funeral service in Logandale. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. (MST) on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the Salina City Cemetery, Main Street, Salina, Utah 84654.
Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.
