Nettie Evaline McCullough

Nettie Evaline McCullough, 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, May 5, 2022, with her beloved sons at her bedside.  The following is an obituary written by her loving family.

Nettie was born on October 24, 1923, in New Ross, Indiana to Claude and Opal Bronaugh.  She is predeceased by her two brothers, Charles and John, her husband of 61 years, Robert Glen McCullough, and her daughter-in-law, Suzannah.  She is survived by her three sons, Michael (Natella), Rex (Terrie) and Joe (Joni); her grandchildren, Brett, Shannon (Jamie), Carrie, John (Brenda), Brad, Ryan (Missy), Toby (Emma), and Jennifer; her great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Abby, Ethan, Jamison, Alexander, Jack, Delany, Aidan, Joseph, Parker and Gloria Evaline.

After graduation from New Ross High School in 1941, she continued her education with studies at Indiana Central Business College in downtown Indianapolis.  As a young woman, commuting by bus from New Ross to Indianapolis, Nettie began her career working for Butler University.  She continued to work throughout her life, finally retiring at the age of 92

In February 1944, Nettie married Robert Glen McCullough, and in 1945 they moved to Pittsboro, Indiana to care for her recently widowed grandfather, “Grandad Wall”, the owner-operator of Pittsboro’s Wall Grain Co. Elevator. Little did they know then that this would be their home community for the balance of their lives. Nettie and Bob were very active members of the community, enjoying many roles and activities that enriched their lives as well as their many friends. As an enthusiastic and committed member of the Pittsboro United Methodist Church for 77 years, she was involved and effective in supporting and promoting the spiritual and physical growth of the congregation. 

Nettie loved sports.  Always an ardent fan of the Cincinnati Reds, IU, Butler, and Purdue basketball, Jeff Gordon and NASCAR racing.  If it involved a ball, she pretty much was on board.  Her morning routine started with a cup of coffee, then opening the Indy Star to check the obits list, and then a fold-over to the sports sections and TV listings to make sure she did not miss a game (there is still a fold-over laying on her kitchen table).

Nettie also loved playing cards, especially bridge. Throughout her life, Nettie joined many couples’ card clubs and bridge clubs.  Some of the most spirited games were played after quickly clearing the family dinner table.

What mattered the most to Nettie were her three sons, Michael, Rex and Joe, tirelessly showering them with an abundance of love, support, and guidance.  From rolling them out of bed for church and school, cooking, cleaning and caring, shuttling them to practices and games, working outside the home to provide opportunities for their educations, whatever it was, they were first on her list.  We never had to wonder if Mother would be there to support us…...she was……always.   As she became a grandmother and great-grandmother, Nettie continued her support and devotion for the next generations, constantly encouraging them to simply give their all and do their best.  Of course, our family Sunday dinners, butter cookies, chocolate cakes, chop suey, and more, were all pretty good trimmings that came with the territory and delivered that same message

One final story that typified Nettie’s caring and giving nature was when she was sharing a memory with family about how her life changed after marrying Bob.  She said, “I didn’t work much after we moved to Pittsboro.” is one that was part of an account after meeting Bob.  Well, while family and community were top priority and never slighted, her resume is impressive:  S and H Construction Co., Syndicate Glass, Town Clerk of Pittsboro, and finally coming out of “retirement” to work at Avis -Budget Rental Agency at the Indianapolis Airport for nearly 30 years.  She finally truly retired at the age of 92, making life-long friends at every stop.

Nettie lived life well. We will miss her, love her, and forever cherish our good fortune to have been a part of her journey.  Rest now, Nettie.

Friends and family will gather at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home on Thursday, May 12, 2022, from 4 pm to 7 pm.  The funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, May 13, 2022, at 10 am at the funeral home.  Nettie will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Robert, in New Ross Cemetery following the service.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pittsboro United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Pittsboro, Indiana.  All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with Nettie's family on her memorial page found on the funeral home's website, www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com .

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