Centralia Resident Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth Passes Away at 84

Longtime community member and registered nurse was a dedicated volunteer and beloved family matriarch.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:37pm

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An abstract, impressionistic image composed of blurred, overlapping shapes in warm tones of yellow, orange, and red, conveying the sense of a cozy, inviting domestic space filled with the energy of gatherings and celebrations.The vibrant, welcoming atmosphere of Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth's home, where family, friends, and community gathered for decades, will be deeply missed.Salem Today

Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth, a lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on April 3, 2026 at the age of 84. Culbreth was a registered nurse who spent much of her career in home health and nursing administration, and was an active volunteer and leader in her local Church of Latter-day Saints congregation. She was known for her warm hospitality, close-knit family, and dedication to keeping her high school class connected over the decades.

Why it matters

Culbreth's passing marks the end of an era for Centralia, as she was a fixture in the community for over 80 years. Her commitment to family, faith, and civic engagement made her a beloved figure, and her loss will be deeply felt by those whose lives she touched.

The details

Culbreth spent the first 10 years of her nursing career in the intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital before transitioning to home health nursing with the Visiting Nurse Association of Illinois, where she eventually became the Director of Marketing and Publicity before retiring in 1999. She was an active member of The Church of Latter-day Saints, serving in various leadership roles including Sunday School teacher, Relief Society president, and Stake Relief Society president. Culbreth was also a longtime member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and was deeply involved in organizing reunions for her high school class, the 'CTHS Class of 59'.

  • Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth passed away on April 3, 2026.
  • A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 4:00-5:30 PM at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, Illinois.
  • A celebration of life service will follow the visitation at 5:30 PM on April 9, 2026.
  • Private burial services will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.

The players

Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth

An 84-year-old lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois who was a registered nurse, active community volunteer, and beloved family matriarch.

William (Bill) Culbreth

Marlyn Culbreth's late husband, who passed away in 2014 after 53 years of marriage.

Dana Diane Waggoner

One of Marlyn Culbreth's two daughters, who lives in Salem, Illinois.

Kelly Lee Culbreth

Marlyn Culbreth's other daughter, who lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Ronna K. Newburger

A lifelong friend of Marlyn Culbreth who served as her maid of honor, and who the family is requesting memorial donations be made to in her honor.

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What’s next

Private burial services for Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois following the celebration of life service.

The takeaway

Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Centralia, Illinois, where she was a beloved figure known for her warm hospitality, deep faith, and lifelong commitment to family, friends, and civic engagement. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched over her 84 years.