Alma Cullison

Alma Grace Ramsey Cullison passed away Sunday, January 16th, 2022 in St. Peters, MO. Alma was born on June 17, 1926 in Lawrenceville, IL to Mary Cecil (nee' Kimmel) Ramsey and John Orval Ramsey. Alma met the love of her life at age 14 in Gregg Park. She left Lincoln High School at age 16 to marry Robert Lee "Cully" Cullison on February 27, 1943. WWII propelled her new husband to join the Navy so Alma went to work at factories in Vincennes, Chicago and San Diego. She was our own Rosie the Riveter!. While her young husband repaired aircraft at Pearl Harbor, petite Alma bucked rivets inside bomber fuselages. After the war, Alma and Cully joyfully started their family. They made their homes in southern Indiana, Chicago, western Kentucky and east Tennessee before retiring in Vincennes. Alma and Cully were devoted to a happy, loving marriage while they raised their 3 children. Barry Lee of Sherman Oaks, CA, Pamela Marie Willard of Bridgeton, MO, and Melissa Jean of St. Charles, MO. While raising her family, Alma studied to complete her GED. She volunteered at hospitals and churches and she taught reading to underprivileged kids. Alma and Cully loved to travel, play music and harmonize together in kitchens and back patios across the country. Any gathering called for Cully to get out his guitar and get everyone singing. They shared their love of music at fiddle festivals and nursing homes. Cully hand crafted a mountain dulcimer for his sweetheart and then backed her up on guitar as she sang and played harmonica. Alma's sole desire was to be Cully's wife and mother to their children. Alma was passionate about her family, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She held all her family very close to her heart. Cully described her and her siblings as "The Ramsey Miracle" and her son described her as the 5th Beatle because she lived her life believing "All you need is Love." And it worked; She was loved and admired so much by everyone. When Alma lost her beloved Cully in 1989, she focused on her family and friends, often traveling across the country to visit and support them all. In 2016 she moved to St Peters, MO to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Alma is predeceased by many dear friends and 5 siblings; Beulah Pearl, Lottie Marie, Orval Eugene, Norma Dell and Bobbie. She is survived by her devoted niece, Marilyn Ramsey of Vincennes, and by her 3 children, 4 grandchildren Darby Carney Cullison, Mary Rebecca Willard, Gabriel Michael Willard, Cora Grace Willard, and, 4 great-grandchildren Madison Grace, Sidney Louise, Bela Grace and Abraham Lee. Memorial donations can be made in her name to Friends of the Knox County Public Library at 502 N. 7th street, or Vincennes Animal Shelter (Pet Port) at 1128 River Road Vincennes, IN. Alma and her family want to thank St. Lukes' Hospice team in Chesterfield, MO for their wisdom, support and comfort. She will rest beside her beloved Cully at Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home. Later in the year there will be a Celebration of Life when Alma's friends and family are safe to travel.