Betty Joyce (Johnson) Culhane passed away peacefully and quietly at Gundersen Health Hospital on December 22, 2025.
Betty was born on June 3, 1937, to Clifford and Olga (Thorud) Johnson in Peterson, Minn. Betty graduated from Peterson High School in 1955. Betty met Lyle Culhane and on September 13, 1958; they were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Lyle and Betty were blessed with one child William “Bill” on December 23, 1959, and they lived in Rushford. She then pursued a teaching degree at Winona State College and graduated on August 16, 1968. Betty taught second grade at Houston Public Schools for 31 years. Because of all her hard work and dedication as a teacher, Betty was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1981. She enjoyed watching her son in his high school activities. Betty always had a love for dogs, especially her dog Petey.
Betty was very instrumental during the Rushford flood. She made sure that all volunteers, workers, and people without a hot meal had one. She was the head of the Montini Cafe.
Betty had many hobbies; she enjoyed spending time traveling with her friends Phyllis and Delaine. You could find Betty out on the golf course swinging her golf club, but she would tell you it was never very good. In the winter she enjoyed bowling with her bowling league buddies. She was also involved with the Town & Country Federated Club, Rushford Lions Club, Red Hats and was a very active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Betty enjoyed keeping up to date on her nieces’ and nephews’ activities.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, parents Clifford and Olga Johnson, stepmother Isabel Johnson (Twedt), uncle Norman Thorud, brothers-in-law and spouses: John Allyn and Rita Culhane and Richard and Marge Culhane, niece Beth Egel and dear friends Phyllis Hatlie and Delaine Kjos.
Betty is survived by her son William “Bill” Culhane and grandson Nick (Allison) Culhane, many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly.
Hoff Funeral Home Rushford is assisting the family. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com for service information, and to leave an online condolence.
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