Happy Culp, 96

Lola Mae “Happy” Culp, age 96, of Mendon, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Edgewood Health and Rehab in Three Rivers.  She was born on December 7, 1927 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of St. Clair and Kathryn (Eagan) Carpenter.

Happy attended and graduated from Colon High School.  On February 26, 1945 she married Keith Culp at St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon.  For 30 years, Happy worked at the Kirsch Company with her husband Keith.  Happy was known for being active and had a tremendous work ethic.  She was a homemaker, a farmer, and a 4-H leader.  Happy donated most of her free time to St. Edward Catholic Church, being a part of the Altar Society, even being president for a little while.  She fixed meals upon meals for luncheons, parties, and celebrations held in the lower level of the church.  Happy always made sure the church was decorated for the upcoming holidays and made sure her soup for the annual bazaar was on hand.  As if that wasn’t enough, she worked the concession stands at Mendon High School sporting events; after volunteering at Three Rivers Hospital.  Her giving spirit and taking care of everyone around her could be tasking at times, which is why she loved cutting loose with her daughters.  Many trips were taken to Notre Dame campus where she would enjoy the library, “Touchdown Jesus”, watch some games, and take photos with the Leprechaun of the Fighting Irish.  Following that fun filled day, she and her girls would visit the local penny slots and sometimes win big with $10.  Attending the Bronson Polish Festival and dancing to Polka music was a must.  Most importantly, she loved her family, especially the grandchildren.  Happy would often be seen cheering from the stands, at any event, supporting the ones she loved most.

Happy is survived by 6 children; Mary Ann Evens, Connie Culp, Lynn (Jeffrey) Zonyk, Ed (Virginia) Culp, Jeanine (Jeff) Zanella, and Kelly (Stephen) Culp-Zull; 21 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and sibling Thomas “Micky” (Sandy) Carpenter.  She was preceded in death by her parents, St. Clair and Kathryn Carpenter; loving husband of 46 years, Keith Culp, Sr.; son Keith Culp, Jr.; grandsons Cody Culp and Kevin Culp; son in law Roger Evens; and siblings; St. Clair Carpenter II, Clifford Carpenter, Kay Garland, and John Carpenter.

Visitation for Happy will take place on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 2pm – 4pm with a rosary beginning at 4pm.  Visting hours will continue from 6 to 8pm, all at the Eickhoff Funeral Home (311 West Main Street, Mendon, MI 49072)  A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 12 Noon at St Edward Catholic Church (332 West State Street, Mendon, MI 49072) with Msgr. Thomas Martin officiating.  Burial will immediately follow at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery.  It is suggested that donations made in Happy’s name be made to St. Edward Altar Society.  Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com