Nora Culbertson

CULBERTSON, Nora 81, of Hudson, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 19, 2011. Nora was born in Cincinnati, OH and lived a vibrant life as a professional dancer, actress, theater director, choreographer, show horse owner, master horseback riding instructor and loving mother. Nora Ford made her debut as a professional dancer at the famous Beverly Hills Country Club in Southgate, KY at the age of 17. She graduated from Withrow High School in Cincinnati and studied at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She had her own television show in Cincinnati and through the years shared the stage with greats like Sophie Tucker, Ted Lewis, Mike Douglas, Sammy Davis Jr, the Mills Brothers, Dean Martin, Kathryn Grayson, Dorothy Malone, Forrest Tucker, Dawn Wells, Bob Denver, Patricia Neal, Kaye Ballard, Gavin MacLeod and Elinor Donahue. After moving to St Petersburg she blessed the local theater community as the General Manager, Producer and Director of the St. Petersburg Little Theater and the Country Dinner Playhouse. She also taught drama at Lakewood High School and St. Petersburg Junior College. After moving to Pasco County she continued to serve the local theater community as the General Manger and Director of the Richey Suncoast Theater. Nora also immersed herself into the second love of her life, raising show horses and teaching riding lessons as the owner of Bryanwood Stables. Nora was preceded in death by her husband, Reaver. She is survived by her son, David; two daughters, Stacy Deruvo and Lynn Skelton; stepson Ken; eight grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. Memorial Services will be held at the Florida Veteran's Cemetery on Saturday, 4 June. A reception will follow in New Port Richey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation on behalf of Nora to Hospice Foundation, Hudson, FL.