Yong Culbertson's Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Yong Culbertson, who passed away on March 19, 2026, at 76 years young, surrounded by family.
Yong was born on December 6, 1949, in Osaka, Japan and moved to Seoul, Korea at a young age. After attending Yonsei University, Yong traveled the world before meeting her husband of 52 years, Ken, in Korea. They married on March 13, 1974 and began their new life in Idaho. They moved their way down to Dallas, Texas, where they settled into their forever lives.
Yong had a huge heart for animals and all living things. There was no creature too small, too wild, or too unwanted to receive her care. To Yong, every life was precious and worth saving. She became the person people turned to when an animal was hurt, abandoned, or simply needed a chance. Dogs, cats, birds, fish, squirrels, possums, and even a raccoon, found a home with Yong. There was no such thing as a stray - only an animal that hadn’t found a forever home yet.
She had that same magic with plants. She had an extraordinary green thumb, able to coax life from the smallest cutting or leaf into something vibrant under her care. Delicate orchids, wild cosmos flowers, hardy succulents, lush tropical foliage, and any plant she found interesting all grew beyond measure once she started to pour her love into it. Her greenhouse was a sanctuary - tending, nurturing, and bringing life into the world.
Yong was also unapologetically herself and had a presence that was impossible to ignore. Honest and strong-willed, she spoke her mind without hesitation. Her ferocity of spirit also defined how she loved her family. She was a protector at heart and she remained that protector until the end.
Yong is survived by her husband Ken, her two daughters Lisa and Julie and their spouses Eric and Kurt, her grandchildren Roman, Blair, Turk, and Masako, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, and dear loved ones.
Magnanimous in spirit, she was also very private. She often reminded her family that death comes to everyone and that death is not an enemy. In that spirit, a family-centered service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the DFW National Cemetery, followed by a luncheon to celebrate her life and impact.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org, or your favorite no-kill animal shelter.
What’s your fondest memory of Yong?
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Share a story where Yong's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Yong you’ll never forget.
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