In Memory Of Ellesa Denette Curtis

April 12, 1955 – January 30, 2024 

Ellesa Denette Curtis, 68, of La Sal, Utah, passed away peacefully in her home on January 30, 2024.

Ellesa was born to Lester Hugh Day and Ellesa Jackson Day Ekker on April 12, 1955, in Toole, Utah.

When Ellesa was 2 years old, she moved to La Sal with her parents and sister, Shurlene. We have all heard the stories of how much Ellesa and Shurlene loved playing in the black mud as little girls. 

They returned to Moab where Ellesa spent the rest of her childhood growing up with her four siblings: Shurlene, Hazel, Lester and Julie. She loved playing with her siblings and all of her cousins. One of her greatest loves and fondest memories was riding the wild horses in the creek. Ellesa spent many hours at the Power Dam and at Jackson Ranch exploring the hillside and swimming in the pond.

As a child, Ellesa was always brave and strong. She always looked after those less fortunate and took them under her wing, helping them in any way that she could. She was kind and compassionate to everyone. Ellesa was such a joy to her parents, and they were both very proud of her. 

Ellesa went to school in Moab and for many years, she was a server at the Pancake House where she enjoyed going to work and interacting with her friends. 

In 1980, she met the love of her life and soul mate, Troy Beason. Together, they both worked hard to raise their family and make a good life. Their love was strong and lasted 44 years. During their time together, they lived in Utah, Kansas, Colorado, and Washington State. When Ellesa became a grandmother, she spent many loving hours doing everything she could to help raise them! She was a doting grandmother, and her grandchildren always knew how special they were to her. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. Ellesa always made sure her grandchildren had nice clothes and were well taken care of.

In 2011, Ellesa and Troy moved to La Sal, Utah, from Washington State to be closer to her aging mother. Her years in La Sal were spent gardening, camping, and arrowhead hunting. Ellesa took care of her beloved dogs and helped raise her beautiful granddaughter, Lillaunna.

Seven years ago, Ellesa became very ill and fought her hardest to get well. During that time, she remained strong and always tried to keep a positive attitude. Sadly, she was never able to fully regain her health. 

Ellesa was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Sinda Jackson and Nathan and Hazel Day; her parents, Lester Day and Ellesa Day Ekker; her sisters, Shurlene Blair and Julie Day; and her grandson, Sincear Santana. 

Ellesa is survived by her husband, Troy Beason; her children, Eli Lamar Curtis and his wife Mie Curtis, Lucuis Neil Curtis, Lindy Jane Wagoner and her husband Chioke Kenneth Wagoner; her grandchildren, Daja Curtis, Colin Curtis, Hailey Gay, Max Curtis, Oren Curtis, Lilliaunna Curtis, Stephan Irvine, Elizabeth Olsen; and great-grandchildren, Marley Irvine, Renae Gay, Calven Gay, and Leilah Gay.

Ellesa will be deeply missed by all her friends and family. 

Graveside funeral services were held on Saturday, February 3 at the Grand Valley Cemetery. You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com