Lynelle "Cissy" Cullen

Lynelle "Cissy" Marie Cullen passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, IN.  She suffered and fought for several years with her illnesses and the serenity of her rest was, and is, well deserved.  Lynelle was known for many things, though she was most well known for her lifetime interest and involvement in animal rescue, various charities and fundraising for organizations. If her life were to be described in one word, it would be service. In particular, Lynelle was a major advocate for no-kill animal shelters, humane societies, anti-breed discriminative legislation and veterinarian assistance programs. Even after being diagnosed with crippling rheumatoid arthritis Lynelle continued to foster fur babies, even when she had very little and was suffering in great pain; all the while never making excuses for herself and encouraging others to make a difference in their community. Her contributions were so great that she even started her own rescue named Helping Pawz. She was also trained in wild life animal rescue. Lynelle also worked at Wayside Waifs in Missouri, Putnam County Animal Control in Greencastle, IN and Sheltering Wings in Danville, IN. She also at one point worked with disabled and special needs individuals of all ages. She was also a licensed massage therapist in Missouri. She enjoyed all types of music but was very fond of 80's music and old time country music that she grew up with. Lynelle had a great love for painting and doing crafts.  Her family from the coal-fields of Kentucky, while not having much, always fought to provide a better future for not only their own family but others. These values were not lost on Lynelle, whom in addition to her philanthropy, had a way of looking into the heart of a person: both their afflictions and shortcomings as well the best of their qualities to which she would speak and guide. She had a way of moving people to organize for others, and was a light in the darkest hour for many. She would always say, "people are people".  Lynelle was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on January 4, 1971 to Linda and Donnie Jones. She is survived by her Husband, David Cullen;  her two Step Children, Ericka and Josh Cullen;  Mother, Linda S. Jones;  Sister, Donna S Jones; Mother-in-law,  Verlie Cullen; Brother-in-law, Mark Cullen; Aunts Alva Rice, Rhonda (Paul) Williams, Glenda Donohue Hornick (Dale), Eve Marquez;  Uncles, Jimmy Ricketts, Clifford Jr Hall; Nephews, Jesi, Brandon, Dakota and James Jones, Rowan Welch IV (actual cousin) and Rowan Welch V (actual second cousin); Great-niece, Brooklynn Jones, and several cousins. She is also survived by her beloved dogs Snickers, Bibi, Robbie and Maysie.  She is preceded in death by her Father, Donnie Jones; Grandparents, Marie and Olva Rice; Grandparents, Armina and Earl Jones; Step-Father, Richard 'Dick' Eugene Parsons;  several Aunts and Uncles and many fur babies; notably Sir Remington, Rugar, Morgan and Amanda.  Services will be Monday, October 9, 2023 at Hampton Gentry Funeral Home in Plainfield Indiana. Visitation from 11am to 1:00 pm with services starting at 1:00 pm.  Burial will be in Clayton Cemetery In Clayton, Indiana.  In lieu of flowers, Lynelle would have loved for you to make a donation to any animal rescue or animal shelter. The family is also asking for donations to pay for final expenses at https://gofund.me/24bf1b99