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NORTH LIMA - Louise Thomas Cullar, 95, passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at home, surrounded by family.
Louise was born in Johnstown, Pa., in 1931, the eldest of three daughters of Kenneth and Mildred Thomas. She grew up in a house built by her family from field stones in the Allegheny Mountains. She graduated as valedictorian from Conemaugh Township High School and worked in a sewing factory before attending Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, where she met her husband, Harold. She attended Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, Pa., and the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics.
Louise married Harold E. Cullar on June 23, 1951, at Thomas Mennonite Church in Thomas Mills, Pa. They were married for 60 years before his death in 2011.
In 1954, Louise, Harold, and their first daughter, Lynn, moved to Puerto Rico to mentor local farmers through the Ulrich Foundation. They welcomed their second daughter, Janice, during this important chapter in a life filled with family and service to others. In 1955, they returned to Ohio, and settled on the family farm on Lynn Road in North Lima (Beaver Township). They built their home and had two more children, Kathy and Kenneth.
Louise and Harold were lifelong learners and explorers and instilled this in their children with annual camping trips throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, often for five weeks in the summer. Following retirement, Louise and Harold traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America, and visited the South Pacific, Asia, and the Middle East. They spent winters at their home in Sarasota, Florida.
Louise taught home economics at Greenford, Youngstown East and Woodrow Wilson high schools. She concluded her teaching career at the Mahoning County Joint Vocational School, where she ran a preschool while teaching high school students childcare.
Louise was a long-time active member of Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana. She served several years as a board member for Harmony Village, also in Columbiana, and served on the board of Laurelville Retreat Center in Mount Pleasant, Pa.
Creative and adventurous, Louise designed her own wedding gown and sewed clothing for her children. She enjoyed reading, cooking and canning, birds and wildlife, and gardening. During summers, her table overflowed with homegrown flowers and vegetables. A gracious host, Louise often welcomed visitors, including extended family, friends and Mennonite Your Way travelers. In winter, her sledding hill was always open to her church community and neighbors. She was generous and curious and delighted in good stories, whether listening to or telling them -- especially ones about ancestors or antiques.
Above all, Louise loved her family and created a home to which they often returned. She fostered meaningful and deep relationships with each of her 12 grandchildren. They grew up spending summers and holidays with her on the family farm, and as adults treasured bringing Louise's great-grandchildren to spend time with her in this special place. Her daughter, Kathy and son, Ken, raised their own families nearby, and in her last years, Louise's daughters, Lynn and Jan, enjoyed spending extended time staying with her.
Louise is survived by her three daughters, Lynn (Karl) Swartzendruber of Plano, Texas, Jan (Nano) Talanoa of Madera, California, and Kathy (Len) Holman of Boardman, and one son, Ken (Dawn) Cullar of North Lima. She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Lora, Keri, Paul, Aaron, Elane, Mark, Holly, James, David, Jonathan, Anna, and Andrew; and 16 great-grandchildren. Louise is also survived by sisters, Lila Stetter of Plant City, Florida, and Elsie Fetterman of Davidsville, Pa.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; and grandchild, John Talanoa.
Louise was buried in a private graveside service.
A visiting hour welcoming family and friends will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., at Midway Mennonite Church, Columbiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC); the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA); or the Laurelville Retreat Center in Mount Pleasant, Pa.
Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.
(special notice)