Rita Arlene Culp

Rita Arlene (Woods) Culp, age 75, of West Alexandria, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, surrounded by love and grace. Born on September 23, 1949, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, she lived a life full of expectation, creativity, and unwavering faith.

Rita was a woman who embraced life with anticipation and hope, always believing that tomorrow held greater promise than today. Her warmth was unmistakable, her smile comforting, and her generosity unmatched. She held fast to her Savior, Jesus, and her love flowed freely to everyone around her.

Throughout her life, Rita served with dedication in many roles, including administrative comptroller for Stop 127 in Eaton, Ohio, church secretary in Pensacola, Florida, and later in production at Neaton Auto Products in Eaton. Beyond titles and tasks, her true calling was to love, create, and bring joy to others.

A gifted artisan, Rita mastered the delicate crafts of crochet, needlepoint, and macrame, winning awards at local festivals and delighting family and friends with her heartfelt creations. Every wedding, every birth was met with one of her treasured, handmade afghans or baby blankets. Her confectionery skills were equally celebrated, with over twenty varieties of her signature fudge enjoyed at festivals across the Miami Valley.

Rita found delight in travel and adventure, yet it was her Ohio home that grounded her soul. She cherished birds, flowers, wildlife, and the rolling beauty of big sky days. And above all, she adored her family, giving them the best of her heart and her time.

She was the ultimate Christmas angel. Her love for the season was unmatched, marked by elaborate decorations, lovingly curated traditions, and an unparalleled joy in creating magic and memories for all who gathered with her.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Jean (Trego) Woods, her brother Geral, her first husband John Culver, and her husband Forrest Culp. She is survived by her devoted son, Brian (West Alexandria, OH); her loving sisters Sonja Brown (Pensacola, FL), Connie (Jerry) Cashion (Holt’s Summit, MO), and Elaine (Larry) McMurray (Eaton, OH); and her stepchildren: Angela Culp, Margaret (James) Disher, April Culp, Steven (Megan) Culp, and Edward Culp. She also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members whose lives were forever brightened by her love.

Rita’s legacy is one of kindness, creativity, and a faith that never wavered. She gave of herself freely and fully and her life was, and will continue to be, a gift to all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Christ, 725 US Route 35, Eaton, OH with Pastor Daniel Bell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 226 W. Main Street, Eaton OH 45320 to assist the family with final expenses. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com