Mary Ellen Culp

Mary Ellen Colton Culp, age 92, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026.

She was born on September 6, 1933, in Murray, Utah, to Isabelle Jacobs and Milas Y. Colton.

On November 12, 1953, Mary Ellen married Sherman A. Culp, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, devotion, and shared memories, they were married 53 days short of 70 years.

Mary Ellen lived a long and meaningful life, remembered for her warmth, her steady presence, and the love she carried for her family. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Mary Ellen started working at a young age, her first "fun" job was during college, working as a tour guide and waitress at the Grand Canyon. She had various jobs in the banking industry and finished a 30 year career at the Salt Lake City treasurer's office. She retired at 62. Her motto was "You can have anything you want as long as you are willing to work for it"

She had many interests; she loved horses and was Vernal rodeo queen in 1950. She loved to garden, always growing beautiful flowers, plants and vegetables. The joy received from a heirloom tomato and a bouquet of roses was pure happiness. She loved her apricot and peach trees watching them throughout the seasons. She was an herbalist offering a natural remedy for any ailment. One of her favorite activities was shopping with her sister Muriel, and her daughters. She loved hiking in the mountains, and a favorite memory was glissading at Snowbird in the early summers. She was a talented astrologer, writing articles for the American Astrologer under an assumed name.

In retirement she enjoyed traveling with Sherman, they enjoyed the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Branson MO. and California. They made their retirement home in Vernal, Utah and St. George, Utah.

She had an unwavering faith in the Lord and belonged to Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Vernal. She loved her children, always telling them they were her favorite and that they must take care of one another.

She had a sharp, witty mind with an ability to remember all people, dates, places and things she came into contact with. She loved her family and friends.

Mary Ellen leaves behind son Michael Culp (Kari) two daughters Erin Smith (Adam) and Laura Smith, her sister Muriel Johnson and brother Avon Colton, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Vina Kaio, her loving caregiver from Caring Hearts and the wonderful hospice caregivers at Good Shepherd.

Funeral Services for Mary Ellen will be held Saturday, March 28th at 12Noon, with a visitation for family and friends that morning from 10:45am ~ 11:45am. All at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home. Interment in the Rock Point Cemetery.