Avis Olmsted Read Culbert

In Loving Memory of Avis Olmsted Read Culbert 

A life well lived…that was Avis Olmsted Read Culbert. It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and consummate adventurer. Avis passed away peacefully in her own home on June 5, 2024, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family and pets. 

She is survived by her three sons and their wives Wickham (Lisa), Read (Kari), and Trevor (Candice); grandchildren Caden, Sidney, Clinton, Paige, Rylie, Kassidy, Andrew and Jason; sister Caldwell Bogart; nephews Corey Culbert, Robert Lawson, Bradford Lawson, and niece Tiffany Padilla. Avis is preceded in death by her husband Wickham “Skip” Culbert, father Dr. Thomas Read and mother Avis Read. 

How does one describe Avis? She had more energy than most, always had a story to tell, was joyful, beautiful, smiled all the time, had a great laugh, lit up any room she entered, was a zealous Wildcat fan, and was always ready to try something new. 

Avis was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 30, 1940. Her family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona when she was in fifth grade, settling in an historic adobe home, which they named The Stable Art Gallery, at the corner of McDonald Dr. and Cattle Track Road. It was there that Avis discovered her love of horses, developing into the respected horsewoman she was later in life. She was a member of the class of 1958 at Scottsdale High School, where she enjoyed dancing in the school’s musicals. In 1958, she was selected to “ride and reign” as the first Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Rodeo Queen. 

While at the University of Arizona, Avis met the love of her life, Skip Culbert. For 63 years they stood together building a beautiful life, raising three sons, and traveling the world. During high school, college, and early married life, Avis had a career as a model, often working for Goldwater’s department store. Avis and Skip were proud members of The Dons of Arizona, which preserved and perpetuated the legends and lore of the Southwest. After her children started school, she used her love for the history and folklore of the Southwest to start a career working as a tour guide for large hotels and tour companies. She, and partner Jan Hertzberg, started their own tour company, which became one of the largest in Arizona, and a school for tour guides incorporating much of her experience and passion for the Southwest. 

Avis and Skip enjoyed summers in Pinetop where, with friends Jim and Michal Poplawski and Bill Venrooy, they built their first cabin, where together, they raised their children. Skip and Avis then moved to a beautiful cabin to enjoy with their grandchildren. The next 18 years included countless miles of riding throughout Arizona with her “trail riding friends”, often followed by a glass of wine, the perfect way to end a long day in the saddle in Avis’ eyes. 

Avis loved the arts and was a member of the Phoenix Art Museum League, co- chairing their Festival of Christmas Trees and volunteering as a museum docent both there and at the Heard Museum where she discovered the rich and vibrant history of American Indian Art. 

Avis’s passions were many: she was an accomplished seamstress, had an expert green thumb; friends will remember the huge pots of Geraniums that were carted back and forth to Pinetop with her every year. She was always up for cards or a board game. She was a member of the Desert Saddle Bags and Arizona Cowgirls, friends who shared her love of horseback riding. She was an avid reader; a member of The Fabulous Other Book Club for 52 years. The consummate hostess, she loved to entertain with dinner parties, brunches and her annual Christmas Tea. Those who attended appreciated that cooking made her heart sing. Avis had a recipe for everything and would always share them, especially with her grandchildren. She loved nothing more than to prepare a meal for her family and guests. 

Avis will be deeply missed by all her family and friends, but never forgotten. So, this is not goodbye…it is “Happy Trails until we meet again…” 

A Celebration of Life for Avis will be held at Paradise Valley Country Club, Friday October 4th, 2024, at 11:00am. Avis always had a Golden Retriever dog by her side. So, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any donations be made in her memory to Rescue a Golden of Arizona, P.O. Box 71987, Phoenix, AZ 85050; donations may also be made online on their website.