Lois Gillespie Culberson

Born June 26, 1914 in Manito to Chesley K. and Alta (Black) Rakestraw, she married Russell Gillespie on November 30, 1933 in Peoria. He died on May 15, 1967 in Hollywood, CA. She later married Melvin Culberson in 1978. He preceded her in death. She also was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Allen Rakestraw and Smith Rakestraw and two sisters, Lucille Goss and Mildred Wiesinhofer.

Lois is survived by one son, William C. Gillespie of Westminster; five grandchildren, David, Shane, Jennifer, Mike and Teri; six great grandchildren, including Clarissa, Trinton, Michael and Macey.

Lois worked for Caterpillar, Inc. during World War II. She then worked for State Farm Insurance for twenty-four and a half years before retiring.

A resident of California since 1955, Lois was a member of the First Baptist Church of Westminster, California.

Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Pastor Brad Martin with First Baptist Church of Pekin will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 14200 Goldenwest Street, Westminster, CA. 92683.