Kathy D. McCulla, 71, of Emporium, PA passed away peacefully on Friday morning (May 30, 2025).
Kathy (Louise) Dill McCulla was born on Father's Day, June 21, 1953, to Robert and Thora (Wheeler) Dill of Sterling Run. In her childhood Kathy attended the two-room schoolhouse across the road from her house, before transitioning to the schools in Emporium. Kathy enjoyed growing up with her sister and brother in Sterling Run, and they have all spent years recounting fond and funny memories. Many remembered moments came from times traveling the country and visiting family, spending time with their aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In high school, Kathy followed in her mother's footsteps and became a Rainbow Girl before graduating from Cameron County High School in 1971. Upon graduation, Kathy entered Clarion State College majoring in Elementary Education. One night at a house party Kathy met Dennis James McCulla, whom she married in August 1975 In total, they spent 50+ years together, living, working, and raising a family in Emporium.
Kathy started her career as an elementary teacher at Woodland Elementary School in 1974, first as a third-grade teacher then second grade, each for a year, before spending 35 years as a first-grade teacher, retiring in 2012. During this time Kathy enriched the lives of hundreds of children and had colleagues who became life-long friends, spending time together far beyond their years at school. She was proud of the work she did and was always excited when a former student or parent would recognize her and stop for a chat.
In July 1982, Kathy became a mother to a daughter, and then to a son in 1987. Their family of four meant the world to Kathy, and she spent the rest of her life supporting, experiencing, and celebrating everything they chose to do. She could always be counted on for scavenger hunts at birthday parties and holidays, baked goods for sporting events, heart-felt cheering at parades and performances, and words of motivation and care when life became overwhelming and confusing.
Kathy lovingly welcomed additions to their family when Brandon married in 2016 and Amanda in 2020. She was especially overjoyed when she became Grammy in 2019 with the birth of her granddaughter.
The most special moments to Kathy were those she spent with her family. She enjoyed family get-togethers and holiday celebrations, soirees in Sterling Run, rides over the mountain, Black Friday shopping excursions, and vacations to include annual family trips to Deep Creek Lake (her favorite place to relax) and all the roadtrips to Virginia to be with her family. If you wanted to see her light up, all you had to do was ask her about her family, especially her granddaughter and her great-nephews. She treasured her time with them.
While Kathy is going to be missed immensely, she did teach us lessons that went beyond her classroom walls. She taught us to believe in God, make family a priority, eat ice cream first, always sing along, and live life by enjoying the small moments.
In addition to her husband, Dennis McCulla, Kathy is survived by a daughter, Amanda Johnson (Jeremy), Manassas, VA; son, Brandon McCulla (Jaime), Gainesville, VA; one granddaughter, Makenzie McCulla; a sister, Darlene Coppersmith (George), Emporium; a brother, Bob Dill, Sterling Run; a nephew, Brock Wennin (Alyssa), St. Marys; three great-nephews, Gavin, Beckett, and Silas Wennin, St. Marys; and many cousins near and far.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family will receive friends at the Endless Mountains Methodist Church, 306 S. Spruce St., Emporium, PA on Friday, (June 6, 2025) from 10:00 -10:45 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM with Debra Eckenroth, officiating.
Burial will be in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Guy & Mary Felt Manor, 110 East 4th Street, Emporium, PA 15834 or to the Cameron County Ambulance Service, 299 E. Second St., Emporium, PA 15834
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
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