Torrie Connelly was the spouse of Ken Curtis. Her husband Ken Curtis was an American actor and singer perfect recognized for his performance as Festus Haggen in the CBS western show Gunsmoke. While he was on Gunsmoke before in various roles, he was the first chosen to play Festus in episode 8 of season 8. 13, which aired on December 8 in 1962 “Us Haggens.”
Torrie Ahern Connelly was born July 31st 29th, 1929. The daughter was born to George Daniel Ahern and “Pat” Huntsman Ahern Gillespie. Torrie Ahern was born Salt Lake City, UT She passed away on 2nd November 1997 in her residence in Fresno in the company of family and loved ones.
It is claimed that Torrie “never encountered an unknown person” but how quickly did her turn a stranger into a lifelong friendship. Being her friend even if it was only for a moment was to be rewarded by her steadfastness, devotion and humor, as well as generosity and trust in people. As a friend to her dear friend Ken “Festus” Curtis for nearly 30 years and the heart of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Community for 20 years prior to that she’ll be remembered by legions of uncounted people as “Mrs. Festus” or as the singular Torrie the desirable friend.
Torrie was predeceased by husbands Lex Connelly and Ken Curtis.
Torrie Connelly, a former employee of Ahern, remains with her son William who is from Salt Lake City, UT and daughter Danny from Weatherford, TX; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Doris Gillespie Hall of Salt Lake City, UT; Charlotte Ahern Jensen; Kris Ahern Livreri and Julie Frank of Las Vegas.
Curtis was married Torrie Ahern Connelly in the year 1966. The couple was married in a an elegant ceremony in the presence of their close friends and family and loved ones. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 1991.
Prior to her wedding with Ken Curtis, Torrie Ahern Connelly was married to Lex Connelly.
Curtis died on the 28th of April 1991, while in his unconscious state of cardiac attack at Fresno, California. He died in Fresno, CA.He was buried, and his remains were scattered over the Colorado flatlands.
Torrie Ahern Connelly is cremated in Acadamy burial ground located in Clovis, Fresno County, California, USA
The year was 1981 and Curtis got inducted in the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Torrie Connelly’s husband, Ahern. Curtis his last role was in the role of an aging cow rancher “Seaborn Tay” in the TV production Conagher (1991) directed by author of westerns Louis L’Amour. Sam Elliott starred in the leading role, and Curtis’ Gunsmoke co-star Buck Taylor (Newly O’Brien) played a villain on the set of the movie. His father, Dub Taylor, had an unimportant role in the film. He was part of his fellow members of the Gunsmoke group in 1967, taking over the deputy who had previously served as Thaddeus “Thad” Greenwood who was which was played by Roger Ewing.
