Mary A. Daniels

Mary Avolyn Daniels, age 94, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. Mary was born to Edward and Avolyn Culver on July 5, 1931, and grew up in Indiana, where her parents owned Culver Manufacturing Company.  The family moved to Erin, Tennessee in 1951, along with the company.  Mary worked at the family business as a teenager and during college breaks.

She attended Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  While at Western she met her future husband Keith Byron Daniels, who was a student at Miami University “across the road.” Mary was a yearbook editor, newspaper reporter, and active in the theater department at Western as both an actor and director.  While Keith was on active duty with the U.S. Navy, Mary began graduate studies at American University in Washington D.C. in pursuit of a master’s degree in International Relations.

Keith and Mary were married in Erin, Tennessee, on October 30, 1954, and moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where he was stationed.  They returned to Ohio in 1957, and while Keith continued his studies for a master’s degree at Miami University, Mary worked in the Foreign Student Office and as secretary to the president of Western College.  They subsequently moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where their first son, Keith Jr. was born.

In 1963, the family made their final move to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where Keith was employed at UWEC. Keith and Mary welcomed three additional children, Richard, Douglas, and Avolyn. 

Mary was a full-time homemaker for several years; however, during this time she devoted countless hours as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher, as a Cub Scout Leader, and held various positions within the Women’s Association at church and other community organizations.

In 1976, Mary was elected President of the Chippewa Valley Association for Children with Learning Disabilities followed by President of the Wisconsin Association for Children with Learning Disabilities in 1979.

As her children grew older, she began working outside the home as an Avon Representative and insurance salesperson with Mutual of Omaha. 

She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery, serving on multiple committees and as an elder. In addition, Mary devoted over 30 years as the liaison between First Presbyterian Church and Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Mary was a talented writer, music composer, poet, and artist.  She enjoyed participating in the church choir for many years and traveled throughout Europe with the Menomonie Community Choir in 2001.

Keith and Mary loved to travel throughout the United States and the world, often taking extended road trips and cruises. They also made time with family a priority and enjoyed arranging vacations and creating memories with their children and grandchildren.

Mary had recently moved from her home of over 60 years to Oakwood Hills Senior Living. This was a big adjustment, but she quickly came to love her apartment with it's beautiful view from her balcony and the many new friends she made there.

Mary is survived by her children Keith Jr. (Heidi), Richard (Karina), Douglas, and Avolyn Tolar (Paul); grandchildren Coleman Daniels (Heather), Hannah Arneson (Jeremy), and Jay Daniels; Kelsey Avolyn Broaden (Tony), Baileigh Tolar, and Camden Tolar; and Isabella Daniels; great grandchildren Hazel and Indigo Avolyn Arneson, Miles Broaden, and Lily Daniels; sister Elaine Goodwin; nephew Edward Goodwin (Susan); and niece Abigail Elder (Matt). She is preceded death by her parents, husband Keith, sister-in-law Marguerite, and brothers-in-law Alan Goodwin and Earl, Paul, and Wayne Daniels.

Memorial services for Mary will take place at 11 am on Friday, January 2, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church, 2112 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Kathryn Reid Walker officiating.  Visitation will take place at the church on that day from 10 am until the time of the service.  Inurnment will take place immediately following the service in the church columbarium.   

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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