Eleanor Culbertson

TRIBUTE TO A LADY ELEANOR RYAN CULBERTSON was born on May 5, 1925, to May and Jack Ryan in Del Norte, Colorado. Her happy childhood was spent in Monte Vista, where her parents owned a grocery store. Eleanor rode her horse Chico all over town and was the Queen of the Monte Vista Stampede horse show. It was at this time she got her first dog, beginning a lifetime love affair with dogs. When Eleanor started middle school she moved to Canyon City to attended boarding school at Mount St. Scholastic Academy. Eleanor stayed at the Academy until she graduated from High School After graduation and the death of her father, Eleanor and her mother, a nurse, relocated to Denver so Eleanor could attend Loretto Heights College. She later transferred to Denver University where she graduated with a degree in education. Eleanor married Larry Culbertson on July 28, 1949. They shared many happy years together until Larry's death February 11, 1999. One of their happiest moments was the birth of their son Mark on May 19, 1959. As a family they shared many fun times boating, traveling, flying and socializing with friends. It was during Mark's early childhood that they lost Eleanor's dear mother May. On October 10, 1987, Eleanor and Larry welcomed their daughter-in-law Kim into their hearts. The second happiest moment in their lives was the birth of their grandson Scott on January 24, 1995, which was Grandpa Larry's 70th birthday. Eleanor was a devoted grandmother, who championed Scott's academic achievements and taught him many life lessons. Eleanor began her distinguished educational career at the Denver Public Schools in 1946 as an English teacher. During her 42 years at DPS, she served at numerous middle and high schools, advancing to Girl's Dean than Assistant Principal. She received many awards and earned the highest respect from her colleagues and the staff and students at the schools where she served. Eleanor retired in 1989. Eleanor was a gracious hostess and never too busy to listen to or help a friend. She was always up for an adventure and laughing with her various groups of friends, including the Book and Culture Club, the Cats (Cultural and Technological Society) Group, the George Washington Gang, and the Male Administrators Plus Eleanor Breakfast Club. We have lost a beloved and treasured mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, companion, aunt, confidant, friend, and mentor. Eleanor was a woman of endless faith, devotion, loyalty, and integrity, who always looked for the best in everyone. Eleanor touched countless lives, and those of us who knew her are better people for her presence in our lives.