“When I started at Carroll County REMC in 1995, I was hired for a new position called General Clerk,” said Pat Curts. “After a couple of years, I moved to the position of Secretary, now called Administrative Assistant. Over the past 29 years, I have experienced many different job responsibilities. I served three CEOs, the staff, and the Board of Directors, providing administrative support in almost every cooperative function.”
“Pat does quite a variety of things for the coop,” said Carroll White REMC CEO Cathy Raderstorf. “Among those responsibilities are managing corporate records and documents, as well as composing or reviewing correspondence from our office. Pat has maintained company policies, bylaws, rate schedules, etc.”
“Pat also maintains historical records, which we need periodically,” explained Raderstorf. “She makes necessary arrangements for all employee and directors’ meetings. She helps with our Annual Meeting and employee banquets. Pat gathers all the monthly information needed for our board meetings.”
“Pat really has her hand in most of the programs that we offer in one way or another. She manages our office supplies and office organization,” continued Raderstorf. “Pat has a keen eye for detail and maintains confidentiality in all she does. She is a very trusted, hard-working employee and has served the REMC in a very professional manner.”
“When I first started at REMC, our first and foremost objective was providing electric service to the members and serving our communities,” reflected Curts. “That hasn’t changed, but now so many more programs and services are available to members. Also, the advances in technology are amazing!”
“When I began working at REMC, my computer experience was minimal,” noted Curts. “I had worked in local banking for 12 years before coming to REMC. We were just starting to use computers, but there were still no personal computers at that time. Technology has grown dramatically in my years with the cooperative. I learned to use the computer as the job demanded…even when I really didn’t embrace all the changes as they happened.”
The biggest challenge during her tenure at REMC was “without question, the consolidation of the Carroll and White REMCs. Anytime you bring two organizations together, there are going to be changes,” reflected Curts. “There were new job roles and responsibilities, new relationships, and even new work locations. It took time and effort to learn how to navigate through the new dynamics that came with becoming Carroll White REMC.”
“I would say the current biggest challenge facing REMC is keeping electricity affordable and reliable for our members,” stated Curts. “Infrastructure, energy policies, and high demand all affect our ability to serve our members.”
Curts said she will miss her co-workers and board members most when leaving REMC. “After spending so much time together, I will miss seeing them on a regular basis and hearing what is going on in their lives.”
“I would tell my co-workers to be grateful for their time here, especially for the relationships with their co-workers and those they meet throughout the cooperative world,’ said Curts. “Every job comes with its own struggles and challenges. But in my opinion, cooperatives provide a great work environment and opportunities for personal growth and professional development.”
Curts grew up on a farm on Springboro Road with her parents, Robert and Juanita Scott, and nine other siblings. “At that time, we were served by White County REMC,” Curts said. “I remember my parents going to the Annual Meeting. I think they wanted a night out!”
After graduating from Delphi Community High School in 1975, she attended Purdue University. During this time, she worked part-time at the local IGA supermarket, where she met Rick Curts, who later became her husband. Rick’s career was serving as a manager of grocery and hardware stores. For 10 years, they were owners of Curts IGA in Francesville. After working a full week at REMC, Curts often worked Saturdays at the store.
She and Rick have been married for 44 years and live northwest of Delphi. The couple have three children, five grandsons, and three granddaughters. Their son, Travis, and wife, Trisha Curts, have two children, Bailee, age 19, and Kale, age 14. Travis is the Line Superintendent at Carroll White REMC, Monticello. Curts’ daughter, Kyla, and her husband, Keith Foster, have two children, Lola, age 13, and Cash, age 7. Her son Jon and his wife Emily Curts have four children: Nolan, age 17; Camden, age 10; Creighton, age 5; and Colbie, age 2. “Family is probably my biggest hobby,” said Curts.
“I have no major plans upon my retirement, but just enjoy time with friends and family,” said Curts. “The grandchildren’s sporting events keep Rick and I busy. We attend every event we can…football, soccer, basketball, swimming, baseball, softball, and even trapshooting!”
“I enjoy local history and digging in the archives to find information,” said Curts. “My husband and I enjoy music (especially 60’s and 70’s) and look forward to taking in some concerts. We also enjoy cruising and attending local car shows in our dark green 1974 Dodge Challenger.” Curts is a lifelong member of the Delphi Christian Church. Currently, she serves as church treasurer. She is also active in the Christian Women’s Fellowship. Curts enjoys music, singing in the choir occasionally at church.
February 23 is her last day at Carroll White REMC. She has already let her co-workers know there may be some tears at her retirement event. “Every day is a gift, and there is much to be thankful for. We take so much for granted,” reflected Curts.
The dedication and integrity that Curts has generously shared with REMC co-workers, board members, and cooperative members is much to be thankful for, and her contribution set the bar for excellence. Her gifts were not taken for granted. She will be missed.
“The following quote is very special to our family. Many of us have it framed and displayed in our homes,” said Curts. “At my father’s request, it was read at my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary and 12 years later at my father’s funeral.”
The Only True Values
“I have concluded that the accumulation of wealth, even if I could achieve it, is an insufficient reason for living. When I reach the end of my days, a moment or two from now, I must look backward on something more meaningful than the pursuit of houses and land and machines and stocks and bonds. Nor is fame of any lasting benefit. I will consider my earthly existence to have been wasted unless I can recall a loving family, a consistent investment in the lives of people, and an earnest attempt to serve the God who made me. Nothing else makes much sense.”
Quoted by Dr. James Dobson
