Arline Milda Schelin

1942 - 2023

Arline (Pork) Milda Schelin, 81

January 15, 1942 – February 25, 2023

Our dearly beloved mother Arline (Pork) Milda Schelin passed at age 81 on February 25, 2023 in her home surrounded by her family.

Arline was born on January 15, 1942, in Forsyth, MT to Phillip and Alice Kuntz. She spent her school days in Forsyth along with her four sisters, Rose, Carol, Helen, and Phillis. Arline met and married the love of her life, Martin (Tubby) Schelin on October 4, 1958, and had five children, Terri, Toby, Alice, Todd, and Amanda.

Pork and Tub operated an A&W Root Beer stand in Forsyth and in 1964 moved to Butte where Pork worked at the City Center and Mile-High motels, where she cleaned and operated the facilities.

Pork and Tub purchased a 10-acre farm in Whitehall, MT in 1972, where they began raising their young family. Pork worked at Borden's Cafe for several years and worked the farm raising, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, cows, and horses. Pork pursued a new venture and was hired at Stauffer Chemical in 1977 as a laborer / operator working with heavy equipment in a non-traditional job for women. Pork was not shy of hard work and quickly earned the respect of men at the chemical plant. She worked right alongside many of the men and worked countless hours of overtime to support her growing family.

In 1979 Pork and Tub moved the family to their house on Walnut St. in Butte, where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Pork continued working as a hard laborer breaking a barrier for women in the labor industry. After the closing of Stauffer Chemical, Pork continued working numerous alternate jobs such as housekeeping, telemarketer, and truck driver where she earned her class "A" CDL.

Pork was a steady provider to her family, and a friend to all, she set the example of hard work for her family. She was also a great example of the true meaning of family for her most important role in life, raising her family and taking in anyone who needed a helping hand. Over the years she raised, fed, helped, and supported countless numbers of family and friends. Her generosity continued through-out her entire life. Pork and Tubby's house was always a safe haven for all who needed it, and generally became known as the "Schelin Hotel" where there was always a "VACANCY." Pork continued raising children including many grandchildren and great-grandchildren right up to her last days. Pork was always known for her generosity and was willing to give her last dime to someone who was struggling.

Arline enjoyed spending time playing Bingo, "Playing 5" at the casino, playing cards at the kitchen table, and especially large family gatherings and cooking her famous mashed potatoes and gravy. She enjoyed going to garage sales and adding to her collection of knick knacks and things to decorate her yard and house. She was always one for a good laugh, Pork loved to prank and joke with people. Arline was a beautiful woman and always took pride in her appearance even after working hard 16-hour days at the chemical plant. This continued during the difficult last few months of life, she made sure her hair and makeup were done.

Mom we are going to miss you and know you will be watching over us and no matter the difficulties we experience or challenges we encounter in life we will always here you utter your favorite word "WHATEVER."

Arline was preceded in death by her husband, Martin "Tubby" Schelin; and grandson, Perry Dean Schelin.

She is survived by her children: Terri Schelin of Butte, Toby and Stacy Schelin of Ramsay, Alice and Curt Stoltenberg of Butte, Todd and Kim Schelin of Bonney Lake, WA, and Amanda and Rory Thornton of Houston, TX and her 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.