Barbara Ellis Culver

Barbara Ellis Culver, 77, of Westminster MD, passed away on March 13, 2023 after a 2-year battle with kidney cancer. She experienced a short, peaceful respite at The Dove House, surrounded by close friends and family before her passing.

Barbara Ellis was born on June 17, 1945, in Hornell, NY to Richard and Iris (Robards) Ellis. Barbara received her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Buffalo in 1967 and practiced pediatric physical therapy with United Cerebral Palsy of Hanover, PA for 24 years. She married Gary Allen Culver, of Poplar Ridge, NY, on December 2, 1967. They raised two daughters, Emily and Jillian.

Barbara had a passion for serving and loving her community. Throughout her career as a physical therapist, she immersed herself in the care of her clients and their families. She was a faithful member of the Pipe Creek Friends Quaker Meeting, where she is lovingly known as “the soup lady.” In addition, she was a devotee of yoga, and bonded deeply with her teacher and friends. She deepened her spirituality through meditation, exploring Buddhism, and world travel. Barb took great pleasure in the beauty around her through gardening, decorating her home, picking out clothes for her grandchildren, and perfecting the laundry. She found peace in her own company and shared it lovingly with those around her. She was a devoted grandmother, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend, known for her humble and generous spirit.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Richard and mother Iris. She is survived by her husband, Gary, two children Emily (Balu) Rudra and Jillian (Benito) Berber, three grandchildren Nico (13), Mateo (10) and Javier (8), and two step grandchildren Shulin (20), and Sahnvi (12), her sister Ruth Dantz and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in the Quaker tradition will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 91 Willis Street, Westminster, MD. Visitation with family will be held at 1:00 p.m. preceding the service. Following will be a luncheon at the John Street Quarters, 28 John Street, Westminster, MD 21157. A second memorial is being planned for June in the Cayuga Lake area. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Civil Liberties Union or Amnesty International.