Annette Louan Curran

The world became brighter on October 31st, 1937, the day that Annette was born. Annette Curran, 85, of McCleary, Washington returned with that light to her Father in Heaven on February 20, 2023 after a long and happy life. She was born to Ralph Russell Dahlberg Sr. and Lois Genevieve Harris. She is survived by her three brothers, Ralph Russell Dahlberg Jr., Gordon Gene Dahlberg (Aileen), and Lyle Gerald Dahlberg (Maria Dolores); her twelve children, Sherry Lee Newell, Denise Lynn Bresg (Walt), Cindy Louan Burbidge (Arlin), Grant Arthur Newell, Neil D. Newell, Rohn D. Newell (MaryLynn), Eldon D. Newell (Candy), Gordon D. Newell (Sarah), Garth D. Newell (Julie), Aaron D. Newell (Emmylou), Joshua D. Newell (Catherine), and Daniel D. Newell (Mindy); thirty-seven grandchildren, and fifty great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Russ and Lois, a sister-in-law (Carol), a daughter-in-law (Cheryl), two grandchildren (Chris and Sara), and her husband Ellsworth Curran.

Annette was born in Brainerd Minnesota, the only girl in the family, she had two older brothers and one younger brother. She moved to Washington State at a young age where she lived on the farm “The Shady Nook” in Spanaway with her family. She excelled in school; starting first grade at five years old, good grades throughout all, winning the yo-yo contest, being a drum majorette, and graduating at 17 years old. After graduation, she married Grant L. Newell on June 9th, 1955, the father of her 12 children.

Annette was a Halloween baby which she enjoyed all her life, dressing up as a witch every year. She loved the outdoors doing all the things her brothers could do. She was an entertainer who did stand-up comedy routines for church functions. She was an Avid animal lover; she loved the sheep, goats and chickens on her farm, but had a special love for her little dogs. She was a talented woman who played the piano beautifully, painted pictures, loved to sew (especially making many, many pieces of clothing for her children and then ‘SeaHawks’ blankets for all her children and grandchildren), she crocheted, gardened, and loved to read books. She loved the Lord, her children, the scriptures, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Annette held many leadership positions while serving the Lord. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

While doing all these things she also worked as a CNA for many years with Dementia patients and also as an administrator at the Beehive Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility in McCleary, WA for years. When money was tight she worked an early morning paper route (motor), cleaned offices and butcher shops, and anything else she could do to make ends meet. She was a phenomenal person who accomplished much in her life and we are all blessed to have known and loved her. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held in her honor at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 702 East Main Street, Elma, WA 98541. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation in her honor to a charity of your choice.