Sally Culbertson Mason

Sally R. Culbertson Mason, 97, of Tama, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama.

Sally Rae Pelham was born on February 17, 1929, in Brooklyn, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur “A B” and Neda “Minnie” Pelham. She joined an older brother, Mahlon “Pinkie” Pelham.

Sally was a life-long resident of Tama-Toledo. She attended Tama Public Schools, graduating high school as class valedictorian in 1947. On November 28, 1946, she eloped and married Robert Culbertson while he was on leave from the Navy. They had three children: Diana Culbertson (Chicago), John Culbertson (Toledo) and Jill (Allen) Aldrich (Garwin).

When her husband died in 1963, Sally went to work as the Tama County Deputy Recorder. She was elected County Recorder in 1974 and was in office for 20 years until she retired in 1994. She later worked part-time for the Tama County Abstract Office until 2015.

She married Bob Mason on September 3, 1977, and they were married 19 years until his death in 1996. She gained two stepchildren and their families from the marriage: Cathy (Russ) Hass (Sac City) and Merrill (Ann) Mason (Washington).

Sally had three grandchildren-Shelly Culbertson Thomazin, Jason (Missy) Culbertson and Jonathan (Lacey) Keahna Cowles. She also had eleven great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Sally was a talented seamstress and life long knitter, making many of her own clothes and those of her family. She used her creative sewing and knitting skills to make doll clothes, holiday decorations, and other gifts for family and friends. Bargain-hunting and fashion were other interests.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, brother, both husbands, a granddaughter, Shelly Thomazin, and a great granddaughter, Sydney Culbertson.

A memorial fund will be established.