Centralia Resident Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth Dies at 84

Longtime nurse and community leader remembered for her warmth and dedication to family and church.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:41pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting the conceptual idea of a cozy family gathering around a table, conveying a sense of nostalgia and intimacy.The welcoming home of Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth, 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 community service, and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various leadership roles. She was known for her warm hospitality, close-knit family, and dedication to keeping in touch with her high school classmates.

Why it matters

Culbreth's passing marks the end of an era for Centralia, a small Illinois town where she lived her entire life. As a lifelong community member, nurse, and church leader, she embodied the values of service, family, and small-town camaraderie that have defined the region for generations.

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 retired in 1999 as Director of Marketing and Publicity after 13 years with the agency. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various roles including Sunday School Teacher, Relief Society President, Young Womens' Leader, and Welfare Specialist. Culbreth was also a 58-year member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and past president of two local chapters.

  • Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth was born on May 4, 1941 in Harrisburg, Illinois.
  • She married William (Bill) Culbreth on December 23, 1960 in Centralia.
  • Bill Culbreth passed away on March 25, 2014.
  • Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth passed away on April 3, 2026 at the age of 84.

The players

Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth

A lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois who worked as a registered nurse and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

William (Bill) Culbreth

Marlyn's husband of 53 years, who passed away in 2014.

Dana Diane Waggoner

One of Marlyn's two daughters.

Kelly Lee Culbreth

Marlyn's other daughter.

Ronna K. Newburger

A lifelong friend of Marlyn's who was her maid of honor, and the namesake of the Ronna K. Newburger Adult Day Care Center where memorial donations can be made.

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The takeaway

Marlyn 'Puz' Culbreth's life exemplified the values of community, family, and faith that have long defined Centralia and the surrounding region. Her warmth, hospitality, and dedication to service will be deeply missed by all who knew her.