Marion J. Tuttle

Marion J. TUTTLE Marion was a very special person - a wonderful and beloved lifetime partner to her husband, a nurturing mother to her four children, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her: she truly lived the loving Christian life she professed. Marion was born in Great Falls, Montana to Alexander and Jean Aiton, on January 10, 1922. She grew up in Sidney, Livingston, and Helena, Montana, and Walla Walla, Washington, where she graduated from high school. In 1943, she received a B.A. in English literature from Whitman College. The next year she taught high school in Camas, Washington. On June 11, 1944, she married G. Richard (Dick) Tuttle, and they moved to Antioch, Illinois, while he attended theological seminary. He became a minister in the Methodist Church, and together they served in Sunnyside, Wenatchee, Tacoma, and Everett. In every church, she sang enthusiastically in the choir and also served in numerous other church roles, such as the womens society, teaching Sunday school, and hosting events in the parsonage. She was both devout in her own faith and a devoted minister's wife. Marion was nothing less than a perfect mother to her four children, guiding them by her shining example and unconditional love. She helped lead them through many of the joys of childhood, including mountain camping, extended road trips, and playing Scrabble, Hearts, and many other games (she was a formidable opponent). She was a great listener, constantly supportive, and although she was usually soft-spoken, her encouraging cheers could always be heard at her children's sporting events. Marion was an excellent cook with many specialties, including pies, Scottish pastries, and other treats. After Dick's retirement from full-time ministry, they lived for awhile in Wenatchee and continued to serve some United Methodist churches part-time. They particularly enjoyed traveling together, to such places as the Holy Land, her parent's native Scotland, across North America, and the Washington coast. In her early seventies, Marion was afflicted with Alzheimers disease, which took a cruel toll during her last years. After an extended stay at Crista nursing home in Seattle, she went to be with her Lord on Easter Day, April 16, 2006. Marion was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, James and Jack Aiton. She is survived by her devoted husband of almost sixty-two years, Dick Tuttle, her brother, Clinton Aiton (Donnabelle), her sons, James (Ruth Ann), John (Carolyn), David (Kathy), daughter, Marilyn Kaino (Kerry), and seven grandchildren, Alex, Emily, Brady, Daniel, Andrew, and Brett Tuttle and Sarah Kaino. A Memorial Celebration of Marion's Life will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 3:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 3530 Colby, Everett, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts to that church's Memorial Fund.