Mary Lou Culp, age 83 of Champion passed away peacefully into eternal life on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Mulberry Gardens Memory Care. She was born on September 8, 1942, in Warren, OH the daughter of the late Steven Andrew Sohayda & Mary (Nusser) Sohayda.

She married the love of her life, David Lee Culp on July 18, 1969 and they enjoyed 50 years of marriage together.

She grew up in Niles and then moved to Champion Twp. in 1972. Mary Lou worked as a School Bus Driver for Champion Schools for many years before she retired in 2002. During retirement, she enjoyed wintering to Texas and traveling with family and friends.

Mary Lou loved to read during her free time, do puzzles, and she especially loved spending time with her grandkids. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband David.

Memories of Mary Lou will be carried on by her loving family: her 2 sons David & Melissa Culp of North Royalton, OH, Daniel & Kristen Culp of Peninsula, OH, 1 brother: Harry Strawn of Niles; 4 grandchildren: Alexander, Ella, Nora, Nolan Culp.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 4:00PM to 5:30PM at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls. A funeral service will immediately follow at 5:30PM at the funeral home. Cremation will follow. Mary Lou will be laid to rest at Champion Twp. Cemetery in Champion, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that all donations be made to Open M Ministry 941 Princeton Street Akron, Ohio 44311 or at OPENM.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online or to send condolences to the family, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com