Ellen Marie Culp

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Ellen Marie Culp passed on at the age of 66 years old. Ellen ᏌᎵᎩᏂ Culp was born on Wednesday, October 29, 1958 in Claremore, OK to Bennie and Arrowannah Turner. Ellen was a first language Cherokee speaker and grew up on her family’s allotment land in Oak Hill and spent much of her time at her grandfather Daniel’s home. Ellen was the youngest of four brothers and one sister. Her family attended Piney Baptist Church and she graduated from Jay High School. Growing up, Ellen learned to weave from her mother and both were Oakhill Indian Weavers. Ellen lived in Jay until she met and married Terry Culp in 1988. The couple moved to Claremore, Oklahoma where they had two children, Anthony and Danielle. Ellen retired from Indian Health Services in 2024. She was a loyal friend, dedicated mother, and faithful wife. She loved spending time with her family, camping, and weaving. Besides loom weaving she was also an accomplished basket weaver and she will also be remembered for her delicious cooking and homemade pies. Ellen cared deeply for all those around her and she loved fiercely.

She was preceded in death by her parents Arrowannah and Bennie Turner, brothers JD Turner, Raymond Gourd, Leroy Turner, and sister Delores King.

Her memory will be cherished and remembered by all those who knew Ellen: her husband Terry Culp of Claremore, OK, son Anthony Culp of Claremore, OK, daughter and son-in-law, Danielle Culp and Cody Butler of Tulsa, Ok, brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Elaine RattlingGourd of Tahlequah, OK, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 am at Piney Baptist Church in Jay, OK with Rev. Jess Jones, Jr. officiating. The family invites friends and family to share a meal after the service in the dining hall at Piney.

If you would like to send flowers for the memorial service please send to 2614 E. 2nd St. Tulsa, OK 74104 by Friday the 23rd.