Bert Currie

Alberta "Bert" Ann (Lakin) Schultz Currie, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at the Lucas County Health Center with her loving family by her side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose with Father Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S. officiating. Inurnmnet will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 4-7 p.m., with Bert's family present to greet friends at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be directed to Mt. Calvary Cemetery or the Monroe County Veteran Peace Quilters. Online condolences may be left for the family at sinnottfuneralhome.com or the Sinnott Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Bert was born on October 13, 1941, to Albert Blair and Anna Tueling Lakin in Muskegon, Michigan along with siblings Gilbert, Chuck, Margretta, Alberta, Lois Ruth and Freddy. At the young age of 2, her mother passed away. Grandma Lakin stepped in helping to raise the children. Upon her death, the children were placed in an orphanage for a short time. At age 7, Bert, along with her brother Chuck, were adopted into a loving home by Dr. Ivan and Dr. Nelle Schultz along with new siblings Rowan and Margaret. She was raised in Humboldt, IA.

Following High School she attended Iowa Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, Graduating with her Registered Nurse license in 1963. Soon after graduation, she moved into an apartment with new roommates who were both from Melrose, IA. This led to meeting the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Currie. On December 4, 1965, she married Bob and they eventually settled in Melrose to raise their children. They had three children: Shelly, Jo Beth, and Danny. Together Bert and Bob enjoyed going on small trips to take in the scenery. They mostly traveled to the surrounding states of Iowa. One of their most memorable trips was taking Danny to Wyoming to visit a college.

Bert worked over 40 years as an RN in various nursing specialties. Her career included working within a burn unit at Broadlawns in Des Moines, Monroe County Hospital, ED and Med-Surg, Director of Nursing at the Chariton Nursing Home, and ending her career working for Department of Inspection and Appeals as a Surveyor for Nursing Homes. Bert retired at age 60. During her retirement, she was able to start up one of her greatest loves, quilting. Her projects included quilts, table runners, hot pads, jackets, purses, baby quilts, most anything that could be sewn. She was involved in making quilts to donate to the Melrose Fire Department, Soldier's memorial, Veteran's Peace Quilter's, and St. Patrick's Church. Hundreds of sewn items have been donated by Bert. She also had a love for baking. Bert was best known for her pie baking abilities. The best banana cream and lemon meringue were often requested. Some of her favorite pastimes during retirement included spending time at the casino, bird watching, shopping, and most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. However, they knew not to interrupt her during an episode of The Voice or Jeopardy. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Anyone who spent time with Bert can attest that she always had a smile on her face. She will be truly missed.

Bert was preceded in death by husband Bob and son Danny, siblings: Chuck, Rowan, Margaret and her parents, Ivan and Nelle Schultz.

Bert is survived by two sisters: Lois Ruth Leady and Margretta Foster; her children: Shelly (Jerry) Schaper of Olathe, KS, Jo Beth (John) Lawless of Melrose; grandchildren: Brandi (Tyler) Ruepke of Russell, Blake (Ashley) Lawless of Melrose, Dalton of Melrose, Danielle, Devyn, and Demi Schaper of Olathe, KS; great-grandchildren: Addilyn Jo Ruepke and Maverick J Ruepke of Russell. As well as a special niece, Pat Currie.