Born during a time when Woodrow Wilson was president and World War I was still raging, Ray Curtis entered the world on February 11, 1917, in a small North Dakota town near the Canadian border. Now, at 109, he stands as the oldest veteran in the state, having weathered the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and World War II.
Curtis grew up on a grain farm in Columbus, North Dakota, where he was one of four children. The Great Depression hit farming families hard, and Curtis’ family struggled with harsh weather and poor market conditions. He found a way to earn money by selling potatoes. “I sold those potatoes for a dollar a bushel, and that’s the only money I had in those six years,” he recalled.
As the Depression’s grip softened, Curtis faced the looming threat of war. In 1940, he made the decision to enlist in the military for a year, just ahead of the draft. “They started the draft in 1940, and I thought, I’d better well enlist in January for one year training,” Curtis said. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, extended his service until 1945. He served both stateside and overseas as an Army officer.
Meeting a Girl
During his military service, Curtis often thought about a girl he met at home named Ellen. “She only lived about seven miles from me,” he said. Their paths crossed at a card party, a popular winter pastime. Despite the distance and his limited leave, they married in Reno, Nevada, during a 24-hour leave. Their marriage lasted 72 years until Ellen’s passing and blessed them with five daughters.
Rebecca Gray, one of their daughters, admired her parents’ solid relationship. “I never heard a harsh or nasty word between them… there was never a raised voice that I remember,” she said.
Life After the War
After his discharge in 1945, Curtis returned to farming in North Dakota with his family. “Then we moved up to the farm, and I farmed ever since,” he said. Despite a family history of shorter lifespans, Curtis has lived 27 years beyond his parents’ age of 82.
Celebrating his 109th birthday, Curtis was honored as one of the oldest World War II veterans in America. His mind remains sharp, and he still possesses items from his military service. “This was my blanket. I’m not supposed to have it, have to turn it in, I think,” Curtis remarked.
Staying active is a priority for Curtis, who believes exercise is key to longevity. “I exercise a lot,” he said. “I used to walk a lot and exercise, and I used to eat a good diet, I guess.” He advises younger generations to maintain physical activity, uphold their faith, and nurture their families. Curtis is proud of his legacy, which includes 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
