Helen Culpepper Obituary

Former Durango resident Helen Morgan Culpepper died Thursday, July 25, 2013, in Farmington. She was 78.

Mrs. Culpepper was born Aug. 27, 1934, to Gibson Porter and Mary Helen (Wilcox) Morgan in Durango. Both of her parents were chiropractors here. She grew up in Durango and graduated from Durango High School in the early 1950s.

Mrs. Culpepper went on to study at Colorado College in Colorado Springs before graduating with a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in Tempe. She later earned a master's degree in counseling from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M.

On Aug. 14, 1955, she married Richard C. Culpepper at First Presbyterian Church of Durango.

Mrs. Culpepper taught for 17 years and was a school counselor for 10 years in Ohio and New Mexico. She had lived in Aztec for the last 17 years.

"Helen was very active in her church life," her family said. "She loved making quilts and playing cards. Her quick wit and loving generosity will be missed."

Mrs. Culpepper was preceded in death by her husband of more than 25 years, Richard C. Culpepper.

She is survived by her daughters, Maribeth Culpepper, Rickisue Daly and Josie Culpepper, all of Aztec; son, Dwayne Detsoi of Aztec; brother, Jerry Morgan of Queen Valley, Ariz., and Washington; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at Aztec Presbyterian Church, 205 N. Church Ave. The Rev. Dwain DePew will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Aztec Presbyterian Church, 205 N. Church Ave., Aztec, NM 87410; or the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund, c/o San Juan Medical Foundation, P.O. Box 110, Farmington, NM 87499.

Online condolences may be sent at www.serenityandcompany.com.