MALTA-Marian
Simonson Dunbar, 93 and educator and homemaker, died Sunday,
July 24, at a medical care center in Malta of natural causes.Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 2, at the Malta Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Malta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be sent to VCS, Vocational Services, 3210 Smokey Point Drive Suite 200, Arlington, WA 98223. Condolences for the family may be left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com. Kirkwood Funeral Home of Malta is in charges of arrangements.
She spent much of her life as a teacher in Phillips County, mainly in the Whitewater community where she taught English and established the Marian Dunbar Library. She was active in church and community events. Marian found pleasure and reward in cooking and baking for family and friends. Until she was in her eighties, she maintained her home, raised a garden, and took care of her flowers and yard. Leisure-time actives included reading and traveling.
Marian was born in Aneta, North Dakota in 1918. Her parents, Severt and Ella Simonson, homesteaded in Montana when she was a baby. Raised on the Forks bench east of Whitewater, her daily experiences included the challenges and rewards of early settlers. As a youngster, she learned the value of hard work and perseverance helping her family build a beautiful farm. Marian enthusiastically started first grade at age of five so her sister wouldn’t have walk to country school alone. They attended religious and social events held at nearby Forks Hall including church, Sunday school, meetings, parties, old time dances and Fourth of July picnics where homemade ice cream was always served. During the long winters of these early years, the families in the community often held Sunday dinner parties for the neighbors. The mode of transportation for the family was a sleigh pulled by two Clydesdale horses named Charlie and Diamond. On the way, the kids rode on horses’ backs, rode on small sled behind the sleigh, or cuddled under a warm cowhide robe. Life was fulfilling, and during these years, she developed many friendships that lasted throughout life.
Marian went to high school in Saco, Turner and Whitewater. Graduating in 1935, she was in the first class to graduate from Whitewater High School. As valedictorian, she received a scholarship so was fortunate enough to attend college at Northern in the 30’s. Achieving her dream to become a teacher, she started her career at a young age. While in her early twenties, she married Bill Dunbar. After ranching and farming in the area, they settled in Whitewater where they lived and raised a family.
Marian taught school for thirty-three years and some of her students were nieces, nephews and her own children. She was dedicated to her profession and her students. She rarely missed a church, school or community event and participated in many of these activities. Involvement at church included superintendent of Sunday school and Bible School, playing the piano, singing in the choir and ladies circle. Marian had a strong faith and a compassionate, forgiving heart.
Being a social person, she loved to have people drop by to visit and was always quick to put on the coffee pot and serve homemade baked goodies. Celebrating, reminiscing, and sharing delicious food were an integral part of her life. She loved life and family and friends and was devoted to them. She had a spirit of giving and could always find time to do things for others.
After retirement, Marian and Bill moved to Great Falls to be close to their children and have the opportunity to attend their grandchildren’s many activities. Again, the hospitality continued at there home with many family gatherings and friends visiting. The circle was completed when Marian moved to Billings for a few year and then back to Malta. A fruitful life lived with caring, sharing and faithfulness.
Survivors include her children Margie and David Maloney of Great Falls; William Dunbar of Arlington, Washington; Robert and Cathy Dunbar of Billings; grandchildren Jason and Ann Maloney, Jared Maloney, Heather and Tim Zorn, Allison and Bridgier Wood; great-grandchildren Will, Shelby, Libby, Morgan, Anne and Ian; niece and best friend Dixie, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Marian was preceded in death by her husband Bill; daughter Sharon; her parents Severt and Ella Simonson; siblings Dorothy, Alma and Roger.
Guest Gook
From: Sharon Kangas Passwater
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Even at the Malta Rest Home she was great to visit with. I know my Dad enjoyed visiting with her and watching the game shows.
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