Anita Jean Culver

Anita Jean Culver went to be with her Lord August 30, 2025, at the age of 96. She was born January 20, 1929, in Bassett, Nebraska, to Erwin D. Vargason and Estella A. Crosser-Vargason. During her early years, the family lived in Bassett and Valentine, Nebraska. During Anita’s freshman year in high school, they moved to Lusk, Wyoming. Growing up she loved music and took voice lessons, which led to a lifelong interest in music. Anita met Lafe Culver at Lusk High School. After a stint in the US Navy during the war, Lafe was honorably discharged and returned to Lusk, where soon after they were married June 14, 1947. She enjoyed homemaking and decorating. One of her main interests centered around singing solos, duets with her husband and choirs.

The couple welcomed daughter Cathryn on May 9, 1949. After a time of spiritual searching, Lafe and Anita were baptized at Lusk Church of Christ in Wyoming. In 1954, the family moved to Ottumwa, Iowa, where Lafe attended Midwestern School of Evangelism to pursue a career in ministry. Upon Lafe’s graduation in 1958, the family moved to Abingdon, Iowa, then to Centerville, IA, where he served as a pastor. In October of 1962, Lafe and Anita welcomed three young sons: Brett, Bart, and Scott. In 1963, Lafe became a faculty member at Midwestern, and the family moved to Ottumwa.

Along with Lafe’s serving on the faculty at Midwestern, Anita led the school’s food services team for a few years and assisted Lafe in other faculty functions. Through the years, Midwestern students loved the yearly apple cider parties at the Culver home. In addition to working with Lafe in his ministry, Anita continued nurturing her passion, music. She took voice, piano, and violin lessons. She and her sons participated in Indian Hills Community College spring concerts, playing violin, viola, and cello. In 1997, Lafe and Anita moved to Troutdale, Oregon, where Lafe served as Pastor to Seniors at Crossroads Church in Portland. Anita continued to support Lafe in his ministry efforts until his retirement in 2008.

Anita is survived by one daughter, Cathy Koch (Earl), three sons, Brett Culver (Karen), Bart Culver (Toni) and Scott Culver, along with eight grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lafe, brother Clair, and sister Linda.

Throughout her life, she was known for her singing. Anita delighted in singing to family members and close friends on their birthdays. Along with her faith in Jesus, these birthday songs will be her legacy.

A Celebration of Life service was held at Crossroads Church, 2505 NE 102nd Ave., Portland, OR 97220, on Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at 2:00pm. Private interment was at Willamette National Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Peace On Earth Ministries, P.O. Box 275, Joplin, MO 64802

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