Marlyn “Puz” Culbreth, age 84, a lifelong resident of Centralia, IL, died on April 3, 2026.
Marlyn was born on May 4, 1941, in Harrisburg, Illinois, the daughter of Charles H. Rude, Sr., and Carrie Dora (Potter) Rude. She married William (Bill) Culbreth on December 23, 1960, in Centralia, and he preceded her in death on March 25, 2014.
Marlyn is lovingly survived by two daughters, Dana Diane Waggoner and husband Steve of Salem, Il. and Kelly Lee Culbreth of Murfreesburo, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Brock Waggoner of Salem, Breann Duffin and husband Philip of Aberdeen, Idaho, Brook Lewis and husband Mitch of Salem, and Beau Waggoner and wife Lacey of Pierce City, Missouri; and sixteen great-grandchildren, Wilson, Wally, and Nettie Waggoner; Hunter, Jade, Jackson, Bay, Brynn, and Maverick Duffin; Kaolin, Parker, and Porter Lewis; and Lad, Emma, Oakley, and Addley Waggoner. Also surviving are two nieces, Linda Mijal and husband Phil of The Villages, Florida, and Charlene Smith of Cottleville, Mo, and great-nephew Christopher Smith and wife Rachel of Missouri and their daughters Hesleigh and Reagan, and great-niece Jennifer Smith of Missouri.
Marlyn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles H. Rude Jr., and wife Betsy, half-sister Charlene Upchurch, and nephew Steven Smith.
Mrs. Culbreth was a registered nurse and spent the first 10 years of her nursing career in the intensive care unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. She subsequently entered the home health nursing field with the Visiting Nurse Association of Illinois, where she retired in 1999 as Director of Marketing and Publicity after 13 years with the agency. Mrs. Culbreth was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in various ministering and humanitarian service programs within the church, including Sunday School Teacher, Relief Society President, Young Women’s Leader, and Welfare Specialist. She also served for eight years as the O’Fallon, Illinois, Stake Relief Society President.
Mrs. Culbreth loved her hometown of Centralia and was a proud member of the CTHS Class of 59 (the 59ers). She served many years on the reunion committee, and she and her husband, Bill, were counted on to make the reunions memorable, especially the 50th reunion. She was an integral part of keeping in touch with her classmates and keeping them informed on class events and hometown news. Mrs. Culbreth was a 58-year member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and past president of Laureate Alpha and Gamma Iota Chapters.
Mrs. Culbreth’s unique name of “Puz” was endearingly given to her by her father when she was just a baby, and is what she prefers to be called. You could most certainly tell who she was interacting with if they called her Puz, as they were likely dear family and friends from childhood and high school.
Mrs. Culbreth’s home was the hub of everything. Everyone was welcome, fed, and loved. Her family will always remember all the meals around her table, which included not only her family but an eclectic group of extended family, friends, church members, and community. Countless fond memories include bowls of popcorn seasoned just right, ice cream cones and floats, ice-cold sodas, parties in the basement with the jukebox and pool table, good food and more good food, and lots of laughter. Above all, Grammy, as she came to be called, always made sure her home was a place to feel loved, and a place for R&R and solace from the woes of the world. Grammy loved spending time with her family and making precious memories, but in later years longed to reunite with her sweetheart, Bill. They had been married 53 years at the time of Bill’s passing. She also longed to reunite with her family, who had already passed. Her love for family was strong both here on earth and beyond. She most certainly found great joy in being welcomed home.
Mrs. Culbreth left the following message in the memorial planning she had prepared. It is one we will hear ringing in our ears often. “To My Loving Family: I love you all…..don’t grieve. I am prepared to cross the veil. This is a happy time. I will finally be with my sweetheart again, and Dad and I both will be there to meet you when Heavenly Father calls each of you home. BE HAPPY!!!!!”
Marlyn “Puz” and family wish to thank all the angels who took care of her in her final journey. There are not enough words to describe the compassion, patience, and love offered on her behalf. A special thank you to the staff at Highpoint Residence North in Salem, IL, and SSM Health Hospice, Mt. Vernon, IL.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 4:00-5:30 at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, IL. A celebration of life service will follow at 5:30. Private burial services will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, Centralia, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronna K. Newburger Adult Day Care Center, which offers a place to take loved ones, especially those diagnosed with dementia, thus allowing respite and peace of mind for caregivers. Ronna was a lifelong friend of Mrs. Culbreth, including being her maid of honor at her wedding. Memorials will be received at the funeral home or can be sent to the following address: Ronna K. Newburger, Adult Day Care Center, Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab, 36 Bazeberry Road, Cordova, TN 38018. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
