May 22, 1926 - Sept. 8, 2013
MISHAWAKA - Rachael Luella Culp-Erickson, loving Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great-Grandmother, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013 after an unexpected stroke. Rachael was born May 22, 1926 to Wallace and Ethel (Wilson) Mallery in Elkhart, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Warren J. Culp, second husband Victor R. Erickson and her sister, Ruth LeCount. Surviving is her son, Peter (Leslie) Erickson of Mishawaka, and 3 daughters, Janet (Eugene) Wilder of Burlington, WV, Diana Helmuth of Palmetto, FL, and Ingrid (Larry) Christman of Mishawaka. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren; Lori, Barbie, Brad, Seth, Nate, Sonja, April, Racquel, Meghan, Evan, Ericca, and Cory, 11 great grandchildren; Austin, Randy, Nicholas, Breanna, Josephine, Justyne, Juliette, Tyler, Nate Jr., Riley and Kyle, and one great-great granddaughter, Lillian. Rachael is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Louise Zehrung, and Virginia Erickson. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tue. Sept. 10, 2013 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Indiana. There will also be one hour of calling prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Wed. Sept. 11, 2013 at Faith Community Church, 30046 CR 16 Elkhart, Indiana 46516. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. She was employed by Miles Laboratories in Elkhart as a lab technician, and later became a School Bus driver for the Penn Harris Madison School Corporation, retiring after 27 years of service. After her retirement, she dedicated her whole life to her family and friends. Rachael was a life long area resident and member of Faith Community Church since its founding. Her service to the Lord and unselfish dedication to her family were her highest priorities in life. Her gift of creativity showed in many ways. She expressed her love of life and family through oil paintings and scrap booking. Her creativity came to life in the sets designed for plays, costumes for skits, and Sunday school and Bible crafts. Being always ready to give of herself, she made sure every task had the tender, loving touch of a faithful servant. In everything, love and truth were her guides. As a vigilant prayer warrior, she covered her family in love, peace and joy, always bringing God-sent hope into place. She loved roller skating, boating, reading, teaching, bird watching, gardening and supporting her grandchildren in all of their activities, just to mention a few of her hobbies In her memory, donations may be made to Faith Community Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.chapelhillmemorial.com.
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5 Entries
To my ant Rachel. You will be so missed. You were an awesome lady You had so much energy. You did so much. Remember you were a collector of receipts. The old simplicity pattern cabinets.
Shirley Curtis
September 11, 2013
My dear Aunt Rachel will be missed. Her vibrant smile would light up the room and she was very spunky and always busy doing something either for her home, church or someone else. Love, Jeanne' Ford
September 10, 2013
Rachel will always be remembered by the scott family in lottsville, pa. She and Vic were an added excitment for the family during their summer visits to the farm! What a blessing to have known her!
Nicole Scott-Marino
September 10, 2013
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your mother.
Sheryl DeGraff
September 10, 2013
rachael was a very special person. she was loved by all who knew her. she will be missed.
my thoughts and prayers are with her family in this time of sorrow
nancy strang
September 10, 2013
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Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home - Osceola10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN 46561
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