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Carol Lee Oteney Culley
10/11/1936 — 10/31/2007
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Brookfield Township, Michigan
Carol Lee Oteney Culley
Born Carol Lee Oteney on October 11, 1936, in Brookfield Township, MI, she passed from this life to eternal life on October 31, 2007, after a hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer.
Born and raised in Michigan, Mom graduated from Litchfield High School in 1954 where she was Sr. Class Secretary, cheerleader, prom queen, a member of the band, Glee Club, and FHA. She moved to the Tri-Cities in 1962 where she sang with the Battelle Music Makers and was Secretary of the Marcus Whitman Elementary PTA.
Mom enjoyed mystery novels, scary movies, concerts, and time spent with her family and friends. She was a practical joker with a great sense of humor.
She spent her working career at Battelle and Westinghouse Hanford, and also worked for a year at Argonne Laboratories in Chicago. She retired from Westinghouse.
Mom is survived by her daughters, Christa Ken Kirkendall of Othello, WA; Cindy Jim Wingfield of West Richland; Cathy Roger Hammer of Richland; and son Gauin E. Moore Tanda of Federal Way, WA. She was a very proud and much loved Grandma to: Brandon Kirkendall, Stefanie & Tanya Bird, Courtney Lauman, Austin & Kylie Hammer, and Jamie, Danielle, & Samantha Moore. She is also survived by her Mother, Julia Wixson, Brother William Oteney, Sister Karen Guerten, and her sister of the heart, Betty Hamblin.
She was preceded in death by her father, Cedric Oteney, Sister Sue Shepard, Brother Richard, and step-father Charles Wixson.
A celebration of her life will be held at Einan's Funeral Home on Saturday, November 10, 2007, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Her children would like to thank the 4-East nurses at Kadlec Medical Center for the wonderful care they gave her during her last days, especially Kathy and Diane. We would also like to thank Dr. Kevin Weeks at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.
We love and miss you Mom. Thanks for always being there for us, you will be in all our hearts forever!
I am so sorry about your mom Cathy.You know how to reach me. My sympthay extends to your family.
Cathy,
My heart goes out to you and all your family. I wish I was there to just hold and hug you….
Love to you all,
Lisa
I am of very heavy heart this morning when I read Carols’ obituary. Carol and I worked together beginning in 1987 for the investigations group at Westinghouse, she eventually became my secretary and we enjoyed many delightful years together. She was a character! Carol always had a great sense of humor and was one of the most pleasant people I had the privilege to have working for me. Although, in reality, I think I actually worked for her! She never forgot a special occasion, from a birthday to the birth of my son. And she was there for me when we discovered the medical issues involving that son. I have not seen Carol for way too many years and now regret not staying in touch. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you have lost a real special treasure. Keep the pleasant and warm memories of Carol close to your hearts where she will forever be. I regret that I will be out of town for her service, but she and her family will be in my thoughts. Carol-we all loved you and you will be greatly missed by anyone that knew you.
–Greg
Well, Christa, we’ve been there for each other thru LOTS of ups & downs over the last 20+ yrs, so please know I’m here for you now. Paul & I share your loss & extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. Let the fond memories of your Mom fill your hearts with much happiness & joy. God bless all of you.
Love,
Paul & Bernie
Carol, you were a wonderful mother-in-law to me and a wonderful person. I will miss you.
Love,
Ken
My love and prayers go out to my neices and nephew. I only wish I could be there with you. This lost is greatly felt by me in many ways.
Love Aunt Karen
I miss my beautiful, hip, fun-loving Grandma. I will never forget how stoic she was about everything that happened to her, and I will try to handle my life with the same etiquette and grace that so naturally came to her. I am so thankful that I got a chance to say good-bye and that Grandma knew how much her whole family loved her. I definitely knew how much she loved me, she kept every single present I ever gave her from the time I was 2 years old: bookmarks, art work, key chains…etc. Now I have all of those gifts and every time I look at them I am reminded of how much I loved her and always will love her.
I am going to remember that my Grandma was a strong independant woman, and that she never got old because her spirit never aged.
I love you Grandma.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. It’s hard to lose someone so young and beautiful. I don’t know if we will be able to make the funeral but you have my sympathy and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
My first memory of Carol was the first day of school after my family had moved us to Litchfield, MI in 1954. Wow, she by far was the most beautiful girl in the school school. It didn’t take long to learn she was as beautiful inside as out. In 1974 Carol and I became Sister and Brother in Law as I married her sister Sue. I will never forget the support and love Carol and Grant gave to Sue, Brad, Kelly and me during Sue’s final illness in’81. One or both of them were with us for weeks.
Carol could have written a book on how to be graceful. She could have written another on how to have fun. She could lite up a room by just being in it . . . . or by smiling make anyone feel good inside. I have always had a group picture of Carol and her beautiful children in my living room. It will always be there.
My profound sympathies to Gauin, Cathy, Christa and Cindy and your families.
Love to all . .
U. Gary
A good high school friend of my sister, Wanda.
Our hearts go out to the family of Carol Oteney. From all your friends in Litchfield Michigan.
Dan and Linda Wildt
Sandra and Douglas Purdy
Judy and Garey Barnett
Dear Gramma,
I don’t think I could find the words right now that would even come close 2 saying how much I miss you. I’ve never really had many regrets in life until you left us. I regret not spending more time with you, taking more pictures together or having that final sleepover that we were both so excited for. Things aren’t the same without you here but we’re all trying 2 make the best we can every day. I love you very much Gramma!
Courtney
Kathy, what a beautiful memorial to your mom.
I can’t believe its almost been 3 years. Time has gone by so fast and so slow at the same time. I wish you were here to see how much things have changed. Your a great grandma now and you would absolutely love little Addisyn…she’s the sweetest thing ever. She has your crazy bent up ear. She even has your middle name. I made sure to put you in her room so you can watch out for her when she sleeps. I miss u so much
Love you,
Court
Hard to believe it’s been almost eight years…it still feels so recent. I wish you were here. I guess a girl always needs her mom and I would give anything to be able to call you. Love and miss you!
Carol
It’s so hard to lose someone that is as positive and fun-loving about life as you were. You were not only like a second mom to me, but a great friend as well.
I miss you
Love always
Roger
my condolences to the whole family. cathy has told so many wonderful tales of carol, i felt as though i knew her personally. may love & light shine through, while carol watches over you all from above. she was a wonderful woman.
Hey Grandma! I miss you so much. I wish that you were still here with me, it just doesn’t seem right. I am so happy I have pictures with you from when I was a baby till when I was older. I’m also happy you came to live with us for that short while, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.I love and miss you so much. I’ll never forget you, you’ll always be in my heart and memories.
Love you,
Tanya
Mom, I miss you so much. You were so beautiful, with such a zest for life. My heart aches, knowing I won’t see you again. I am so thankful for the time you lived with us…the many times you scared me because you walked so lightly, I never knew when you were coming into the room. : The Rod Stewart concerts…what fun times.You’ll always be in my heart, I will love you always. The grief, from the loss of you, is immeasurable.
Cathy
I am so sorry about your mom Cathy.You know how to reach me. My sympthay extends to your family.
Cathy,
My heart goes out to you and all your family. I wish I was there to just hold and hug you….
Love to you all,
Lisa
I am of very heavy heart this morning when I read Carols’ obituary. Carol and I worked together beginning in 1987 for the investigations group at Westinghouse, she eventually became my secretary and we enjoyed many delightful years together. She was a character! Carol always had a great sense of humor and was one of the most pleasant people I had the privilege to have working for me. Although, in reality, I think I actually worked for her! She never forgot a special occasion, from a birthday to the birth of my son. And she was there for me when we discovered the medical issues involving that son. I have not seen Carol for way too many years and now regret not staying in touch. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you have lost a real special treasure. Keep the pleasant and warm memories of Carol close to your hearts where she will forever be. I regret that I will be out of town for her service, but she and her family will be in my thoughts. Carol-we all loved you and you will be greatly missed by anyone that knew you.
–Greg
Well, Christa, we’ve been there for each other thru LOTS of ups & downs over the last 20+ yrs, so please know I’m here for you now. Paul & I share your loss & extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. Let the fond memories of your Mom fill your hearts with much happiness & joy. God bless all of you.
Love,
Paul & Bernie
Carol, you were a wonderful mother-in-law to me and a wonderful person. I will miss you.
Love,
Ken
My love and prayers go out to my neices and nephew. I only wish I could be there with you. This lost is greatly felt by me in many ways.
Love Aunt Karen
I miss my beautiful, hip, fun-loving Grandma. I will never forget how stoic she was about everything that happened to her, and I will try to handle my life with the same etiquette and grace that so naturally came to her. I am so thankful that I got a chance to say good-bye and that Grandma knew how much her whole family loved her. I definitely knew how much she loved me, she kept every single present I ever gave her from the time I was 2 years old: bookmarks, art work, key chains…etc. Now I have all of those gifts and every time I look at them I am reminded of how much I loved her and always will love her.
I am going to remember that my Grandma was a strong independant woman, and that she never got old because her spirit never aged.
I love you Grandma.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. It’s hard to lose someone so young and beautiful. I don’t know if we will be able to make the funeral but you have my sympathy and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
My first memory of Carol was the first day of school after my family had moved us to Litchfield, MI in 1954. Wow, she by far was the most beautiful girl in the school school. It didn’t take long to learn she was as beautiful inside as out. In 1974 Carol and I became Sister and Brother in Law as I married her sister Sue. I will never forget the support and love Carol and Grant gave to Sue, Brad, Kelly and me during Sue’s final illness in’81. One or both of them were with us for weeks.
Carol could have written a book on how to be graceful. She could have written another on how to have fun. She could lite up a room by just being in it . . . . or by smiling make anyone feel good inside. I have always had a group picture of Carol and her beautiful children in my living room. It will always be there.
My profound sympathies to Gauin, Cathy, Christa and Cindy and your families.
Love to all . .
U. Gary
A good high school friend of my sister, Wanda.
Our hearts go out to the family of Carol Oteney. From all your friends in Litchfield Michigan.
Dan and Linda Wildt
Sandra and Douglas Purdy
Judy and Garey Barnett
Dear Gramma,
I don’t think I could find the words right now that would even come close 2 saying how much I miss you. I’ve never really had many regrets in life until you left us. I regret not spending more time with you, taking more pictures together or having that final sleepover that we were both so excited for. Things aren’t the same without you here but we’re all trying 2 make the best we can every day. I love you very much Gramma!
Courtney
Kathy, what a beautiful memorial to your mom.
I can’t believe its almost been 3 years. Time has gone by so fast and so slow at the same time. I wish you were here to see how much things have changed. Your a great grandma now and you would absolutely love little Addisyn…she’s the sweetest thing ever. She has your crazy bent up ear. She even has your middle name. I made sure to put you in her room so you can watch out for her when she sleeps. I miss u so much
Love you,
Court
Hard to believe it’s been almost eight years…it still feels so recent. I wish you were here. I guess a girl always needs her mom and I would give anything to be able to call you. Love and miss you!
Carol
It’s so hard to lose someone that is as positive and fun-loving about life as you were. You were not only like a second mom to me, but a great friend as well.
I miss you
Love always
Roger
my condolences to the whole family. cathy has told so many wonderful tales of carol, i felt as though i knew her personally. may love & light shine through, while carol watches over you all from above. she was a wonderful woman.
Hey Grandma! I miss you so much. I wish that you were still here with me, it just doesn’t seem right. I am so happy I have pictures with you from when I was a baby till when I was older. I’m also happy you came to live with us for that short while, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.I love and miss you so much. I’ll never forget you, you’ll always be in my heart and memories.
Love you,
Tanya
Mom, I miss you so much. You were so beautiful, with such a zest for life. My heart aches, knowing I won’t see you again. I am so thankful for the time you lived with us…the many times you scared me because you walked so lightly, I never knew when you were coming into the room. : The Rod Stewart concerts…what fun times.You’ll always be in my heart, I will love you always. The grief, from the loss of you, is immeasurable.
Cathy
I miss you mom, I have an empty spot in my heart now that you are gone. But, I know that you are with your family in heaven that you haven’t seen for so long and are enjoying the reunion. We’ll be reuninted someday mom and I will be so happy to see you again. I love you mom.
Chris
I love you Mom.
I was always so proud to say, yeah that’s my Mom. The time you spent with us at home was so special. The kids really got to bond with you and see why I was so pround of you. Everyone who knew you was called a friend. You were a beautiful person with a beautiful heart. I will miss not hearing your voice and seeing your smile. But I know I will see you again, and that makes it a little eaiser to go on.
I miss you Mom.
Go
I don’t know if anybody reads this anymore, but I look at it all the time. These last few months have been the hardest months of my life. I can’t help but think how much easier things would’ve been if I could’ve called you up just to talk. You always had the best advice and never got tired of listening to anybody’s problems. I can’t believe its been almost a year since the last time I saw you. I miss you so much Gramma. Things aren’t the same here without you. I can’t wait to see you again…I love you forever and ever
<3 Corkaknee
It was weird not getting a birthday card from you this year, I miss you so much.
Mom, It’s hard to believe this is our 2nd Christmas without you. I miss you so much.
I found out yesterday that I’m having another girl. I wish you could be here to celebrate with us. I miss you more and more every day <3
Today marks the 2nd year that you have been gone from this earth. Times goes too quickly and I miss you more every day. I think about you all the time. I love you mother and will forever.
Christa
I love and miss you sooo much. Who is going to run around gathering the wrapping paper, while my kids rip through their presents? ; Christmas will not be the same without you, Mom.
Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kerri-Broxholm-Fish
For all of the kids I am so sorry about Aunt Carol but we all know that she is in a better place and she will be looking down on and making sure that we all keep going on like if she were here. I love all of you and miss you dearly. Kelly
My thoughts and sympathies are with you and yours Cathy. May the good Lord hold you in his embrace.
Love you.
In this moment my heart goes out to you guys, especially to granma Julia. Carol is in my prayers, may God grant her eternal peace.
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Carol Lee Oteney Culley