Zelpha Louise (Tudor) Culbertson

Zelpha Louise (Tudor) Culbertson, 84, El Dorado Springs, was born July 24, 1924, in Cedar County near Filley to Jess and Letha Tudor who were the parents of four children – J.R., Zelpha, Norman (Skip) and Darlene (Dee Dee). Zelpha passed away Monday, July 6, 2009, surrounded by loved ones at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar.

Most of Zelpha’s life was lived in Cedar County. She graduated from El Dorado Springs High School at the age of 16. She married Jesse Ray Culbertson on Dec. 25, 1941, and four children were born to this union – Judy Frances, Jessie Louise, Richard Leon and Robin Jeanette. Jesse Ray and Zelpha were blessed with 48 years of marriage before Jesse Ray’s death on Sept. 14, 1990.

Zelpha was known for her strong work ethic. She worked outside the home at International Shoe Company until it’s closing n 1981. She then worked at Junior House for several years in Nevada before retiring to care for Jesse Ray at home. Zelpha was, by nature, a loving and nurturing person. Not only did Zelpha care for her husband at home for many years, she also took care of her sister, Dee Dee, who suffered from cerebral palsy.

Her hard work didn’t end at the factory. She could be found after work tending to the garden, hanging laundry, ironing, picking berries or canning. The smell of freshly baked bread welcomed family and friends regularly. This was one of the many traditions she lovingly passed down to the next generations. She was a loving, kind-hearted, generous mother and was happiest when she was helping her kids or taking care of her children. Her quick smile and cheerful spirit will be missed by all those who knew her.

Zelpha was saved and baptized when she was a young girl and remained a faithful Christian. She attended First Christian Church in El Dorado Springs faithfully until her health declined.

Zelpha is survived by her older brother, J.R., and wife, Lee – Hallsville; her children and their spouses – Judy and W.D. Eason–– El Dorado Springs, Jessie and Steve Jacobs – Nevada, Richard and Rhonda Culbertson – El Dorado Springs, and Robin and Nick Woody – Stockton; 10 grandchildren – Darrell Eason, Donna McCormick, Curtis Eason, Steven, Stanley and Stewart Jacobs, Justin and Sara Culbertson, and Taylor and Wyatt Woody; 14 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family received friends at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. Services will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 9, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Rev. Barbara Minton and Rev. James Coleman officiating. Faith Trussell will provide music. Interment will follow in Wright Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Pallbearers will be – Darrell Eason, Curtis Eason, Steven Jacobs Jr., Stewart Jacobs, Stanley Jacobs and Justin Culbertson. Honorary pallbearers are Wyatt Woody, Donna McCormick, Taylor Woody and Sara Culbertson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to High Hopes in memory of Zelpha Culbertson.