Carol Elaine McCullough, 97, passed away May 24, 2026 at her home in Mandan, ND. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Carol was born August 31, 1928, to Silas and Eleanora Opperman in Fargo, ND. Her family farmed near Chaffee, ND. Where’s that??

She obtained her nursing degree from Bismarck Nursing College. She met Dr. William “Bill” McCullough, during a thunderstorm, while they both worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, ND. They married July 25, 1956. They made their home in Bismarck, where they attempted to raise three children.

They enjoyed summers and hunting seasons at Lake Metigoshe with family, and whoever else showed up…

The “secret” to Carol’s 97 years was playing “stupid card games” and having a knupper of quality scotch while watching Jeopardy. She was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church and a life-long supporter and honorary Board Member of the Dakota Zoo.

She is survived by her children: Kristy (Alan) Little, Marshall (Mari) McCullough, and Cameron (Mary) McCullough; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: Her parents, husband, sister (Edith Hahn), and granddaughter (Alyssa Little).

Memorials may be sent to Dakota Zoo, or the ND Veterans Cemetery.