As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Barbara “Barb” Jean (Miller) Knipp, age 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026. She was born on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Reservation in Zeba on August 27, 1949, to Henry and Susan (Asher) Miller.
Barb married Martin Curtis Sr. in 1965, and together they shared 20 years of marriage raising five beautiful children. She devoted much of her life to being a homemaker, a role she cherished deeply, before later working at Celotex until her retirement.
Barb was a proud member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Ojibwa Seniors. She was also a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Zeba. Known for her warm spirit and vibrant personality, Barb was truly the life of the party. Whether it was holidays surrounded by loved ones or simple family picnics, those moments brought her the greatest joy. Her family was always at the center of her world. In her quieter moments, she found happiness in reading and was rarely without a new book, often ordering them with excitement.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her special granddaughter, Terri Curtis, as well as her niece Susan Castellano and nephew Dustin Shelifoe, for the exceptional love and dedicated care they provided to Barb over the years.
Barb is lovingly survived by her children: Martin (Elizabeth) Curtis Jr. of Baraga, Barbara Curtis, Robert Curtis, Yvonne Hanson, and Helene Curtis all from L’Anse; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, Martin Curtis Sr.; her parents, Henry and Susan Miller; her siblings, Earl “The Greek”, Ed “Hawk”, Howard “Zeeb”, Robert “Mighty”, Ronald “Shine”, Mary Steadman, Helen Lindahl, and Ann Misegan; her stepson, Billy Curtis; and her granddaughter, Hayley.
A Wake for Barb will begin on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 12:00PM at Zeba Hall, 16141 Zeba Rd, L’Anse, MI 49946. Visitation prior to the service will begin at 12:00PM on Monday, May 4, 2026 with the Funeral Service to follow at 1:00PM at Zeba Hall, 16141 Zeba Rd, L’Anse, MI 49946 with Pastor Steve Rhoades officiating. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Barb will be remembered for her strong love of family, her lively spirit, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
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