Dolores E. Culver, 71

LAUREL - Dolores E. Culver, of Laurel, passed away Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, in her home, very unexpectedly. She was 71. She was born in Seaford on Oct. 25, 1937, a daughter of the late Carlos W. and Helen (Dickerson) Elliott. Dolores graduated from Delmar High School class of 1955 as the valedictorian. Growing up, Dolores was raised on the family farm. She and her husband continued the farming tradition passed on from her parents. They retired in 2000 from farming, but they continued to raise chickens for Mountaire Farms, which they had done for over 50 years. She had worked at the Laurel Auction Block for over 35 years, most recently as head cashier. She had been a substitute teacher for Laurel and Delmar schools, and delivered flowers for Flowers by Hearn during the holiday season. She was a member of the Delmar Alumni Association. Dolores was a member of St. Georges United Methodist Church, where she was the organist and a Sunday school teacher for many years. She enjoyed bus trips to Sight and Sound, dinner theaters, and Gaither concerts. Most importantly she was a devoted daughter, mother and grandmother. Her seven grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she enjoyed attending their sporting events and school concerts. She is survived by three sons, Rick Culver and his wife Felicia of Laurel, Randy Culver and his wife Becky of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Ron Culver and his wife Melissa of Dagsboro; grandchildren, Kristin, Sarah, Kelly, Aaron, Kevin, Tyler and Veronica Culver. She is also survived by a sister, Janet Kelley and her husband Paul, of Wilmington; several close cousins, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Richard "Dickie" L. Culver Sr., who passed away on December 16, 2007. A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Short Funeral Home, 13 East Grove Street in Delmar, where family and friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. The Rev. Dale Evans will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. In memory of Mrs. Culver, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Georges United Methodist Church, c/o Mr. Rick Culver, 28996 Discountland Road, Laurel, DE 19956.