Death of Myrbeth Culver, faithful mission advocate
Myrbeth Culver (Nee Weldon) Died peacefully in her home on December 13, 2011,
with the enormous satisfaction of having just produced her own original
Christmas cards, wrapped all her Christmas presents, and watched the
Packers remain undefeated.
Devoted wife and occasional cohort of the
late Lillard Jr. Loving mother of Lillard Wells (Alison) Culver III and
Elizabeth A. Culver. Proud grandmother of Ian, Winston, Grace, Holland,
Alexandra (Doug), Anna (Adam), the late Emily and great-grandmother of
Emma, Zoe, Max and Jasper. Further survived by other relatives and good
friends.
Myrbeth was born the third child of Harris and Myrtle Weldon of
Assonet Massachusetts on April 7, 1931. Her father, a sailing captain,
had his schooner in the port of Buenos Aires when the telegraph arrived
announcing her birth, and her name, “Myrbeth” a contraction of the names
“Myrtle” and “Elizabeth” executed with trademark Yankee efficiency.
Myrbeth ventured westward to UW Madison for a Master’s in Fine Arts, and
even further, to Ames, Iowa to unleash her teaching skills. Later in
life (the serial fine artist) gained an additional master’s degree in
Photography from UW Milwaukee. Her most impressive works include
paintings, sculptures, photography and her two children.
Myrbeth is
warmly remembered for her warm heart, her hearty laugh, her full cup and
her appetite for creativity. In the 60’s and 70’s she taught design on
the college level at UWM, and helped mankind on the ground level
volunteering with several inner city programs. As president of her
beloved Anthony Island, Myrbeth will be missed (especially at cocktail
time) by all who have joined her at the top of the hill or afloat on the
pontoon.
She also served as national coordinator for the UCC’s “One Great
Hour of Sharing”, as well as being active in UCC Global Ministries worldwide, and she has a sari to prove it.
She spread her time
generously between many groups of dear friends, playing the harp,
visiting beloved friends, nieces, and nephews out East, being a patron
of the Arts and looking for her car keys. Myrbeth will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Service honoring Myrbeth’s life will be held on Saturday,
December 17, at 3:00 PM, at Plymouth Church, 2717 East Hampshire Ave.,
Milwaukee. Family will greet friends following the service. Interment
will be private for the family.
Memorials in Myrbeth’s name may be made
to the World Wildlife Fund, the American Heart Association, Greater Midwest Affiliate, or Wider Church Ministries, United
Church of Christ, 700 Prospect East, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100.