Barbara McCulley

Barb McCulley, 97 of New Sharon passed away Thursday morning, February 12, 2026 at the Oskaloosa Care Center. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Lighthouse Church in New Sharon. Burial will be held in the Friends Cemetery in New Sharon. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Lighthouse Church from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Sharon Ministerial Alliance. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Jean McCulley, the daughter of Clelan and Faye Arlene (Middlekauff) Hicklin, was born on September 24, 1928 in Mahaska County, Iowa. She graduated from Lacey High School with the class of 1946 where she excelled in basketball and was selected 3rd team all-state. After graduation, she attended Ottumwa Beauty Academy where she played basketball and softball. On December 30, 1951, Barb was united in marriage to Kenneth Van Gorp. To this union one daughter was born, Leanne. Kenneth was drafted into United States Army where he was stationed at Fort Knox, KY. He was involved in a car accident and was killed on his way home from the service in July 4, 1952. Barb then married to Kenneth "Tunney" McCulley in July 24, 1956. To this union they raised three children: Leanne, Richard and Mark. Following beauty school, Barb worked for Hoyt Beauty salon in Oskaloosa and then Molly Long in New Sharon before building her own shop at her home in New Sharon serving her clients for over 50 years. They had a big garden, and Tunney did the gardening and Barb did the canning. She enjoyed square dancing, coffeetime at the McVay Center, card parties at Prairie Homes and read her Bible daily. Family was very important to her and she loved supporting all of her children and grandchildren in their school activities and sporting events. She also enjoyed going to all of the North Mahaska athletic events especially the basketball games. She was a long-time member of the New Sharon United Methodist Church before attending the New Sharon Assembly of God Church and most recently the New Sharon First Christian Church.

Her legacy will be honored by her children, Leanne (Emory) Stewart of Oskaloosa, Richard (Becky) McCulley of New Sharon and Mark (Renee) McCulley of New Sharon; seven grandchildren, Heidi (Gabe) Washington, Tony (Jessica) Stewart, Jennifer (Joel) Johnson, Joe (Belinda) McCulley, Jason (Jennifer) McCulley, Jake (Kelsey) McCulley and Sydney (Alec) Fuller; 15 great grandchildren, Trey (Tatum), Akeela, Bryce, Jovie, Kia, Ellie, Alexa, Wyatt, Isaac, Micah, Ava, Bauer, Dutch, Archer and Hazel; two great-great grandchildren, Jaden and Carter; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Kenneth Van Gorp and Kenneth "Tunney" McCulley and a brother, Gordon Hicklin.