Marian B. Chute

Marian B. Chute

DALLAS, Ore. — Marian B. Chute died in her home of natural causes on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2012, at the age of 83. She was born in Williston, N.D., on Sept. 27, 1929, daughter of Gus T. Buell and Mae McManus Buell. She married Donald A. Chute in Havre, Mont., in 1950.

Marian graduated from Havre High School and attended Northern Montana College. She worked as a bookkeeper for a motor parts supply house, but her passions were archaeology and politics. She enjoyed reading about Egypt and other ancient civilizations and about philosophy, and loved novels by Montana writers. She was interested in Native American culture and was a charter member of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Marian was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and a proud "Yellow Dog" Democrat. She was active in politics in Montana, before moving to Oregon to retire. She supported feminist causes and volunteered at a crisis shelter in Missoula, Mont. She also loved cats, Barbie dolls, and tea pots and loved to drive fast.

She is survived by her six children, Christine Chute (Walter Perry) of Polk County, Ore., Tim Chute (Marie Hebnes) of Missoula, Mont., Paul Chute of Havre, Mary Chute of Havre, Mark Chute of Missoula, and Toni Chute of Coos Bay, Ore. Her grandchildren are Kate Perry of Beaverton, Chelsea Hains of Juneau Alaska, Beth Hains of Havre, KayCee Poulson of Havre, Sasha Chute of Nevada, Chase Chute of Idaho, Lily Chute of Las Vegas, Nevada, Matthew Bell and Sahri Engelhardt (Stevie) of Havre. She has five surviving great-grandchildren; and one brother, Donald Buell of Ogallala, Neb. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Chute; and her sister, Cecelia Anderson.

A private graveside service will be held by the family at Willamette National Cemetery, where Marian will be interred with her husband, Donald. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Salem Friends of Felines or the Shriners' Hospital for Children, in care of Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center, which is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at http://www.dallastribute.com