Mary Jane Cultra

Mary Jane Cultra, 98, passed into glory (June 7th, 2023), in the comfort of home surrounded by her family. She was born January 4th, 1925 in Bowling Green, Ohio, the daughter of Mary and Donald Teller. She married Duane Brooke Cultra on June 2, 1944, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He preceded her in death (11-16-20).

Jane had a passion for reading and could often be found engrossed in a book in her spare time. Some of her earliest memories were of her grandfather reading her the Bible on his lap. When she started school, they moved her up a grade because she could already read.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had her pilots license.

Jane also had a love for the arts. After raising her family, she became active in the National Society of Arts and letters, an organization that sponsors competitions in the various arts to encourage and financially help struggling artists. She traveled the country organizing new chapters and eventually became the National president.

But her great love was for her family and as she grew older her great grandchildren became her supreme delight. Her family returned that love in great measure.

Her surviving children are Terry Cultra (Donna) of Paxton, Illinois, Cynthia Harford (Doug) of Washington, Illinois, Shane Cultra (Peg) of Onarga, Illinois, and Melissa Downey (Jim) of Conway, Arkansas. She had one deceased daughter, Brooke Wilken (Alvin) of Kansas City, Missouri. She had 17 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

The service will be held at the Onarga Christian Church on Tuesday June 13 at 11:00. Rev. Austin Madewell will officiate. There will be a one-hour visitation prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Donor's Choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Please share a memory of Jane at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.