Marian Louise (Samann) Peebles, 91, of Choteau, MT, died of natural causes Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011, at Teton Medical Center Extended Care Center.  Her funeral service is at 2:00 PM, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Trinity  Lutheran Church in Choteau, MT. Burial will be in the Choteau Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Trinity Lutheran Church. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct 6, 2011, from 2PM to 8PM at the Gorder Jensen Funeral Home in Choteau, MT. 

Marian was born Sept. 9, 1920 in Lansing, MI to Eric Leonard and Louise Hermina (St. Louis) Samann. She was raised in Mason, Michigan, Escanaba, Michigan and Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

Marian's formal education continued with an Associate Degree in Art from McCook Junior College in McCook, Nebraska. She studied watercolor at the Grand Rapids Art Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Marian then attended Montana State University, where she majored in Art. She received an honorary degree from Montana State University, in 1993. 

While attending Montana State University, she met James S. Peebles. Marian belonged to the AOπ Sorority  and James belonged to the AGR Fraternity. She was married to James Stewart Peebles on July 17, 1943 in Mineral Wells, Texas. They were  married for 68 blessed years. 

Raised in the Episcopal Church, Marian later attended and became an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau. 

Marian was a member of the Montana League of Professional Women Artists. By 1983, her work was distributed in twelve US states and seven foreign countries. 

Although she was raised in the mid-west, Marian exhibited a strong, western pioneer spirit throughout her life.  She had a passion for literature, particularly western history. 

Marian always supported and mentored her children in their endeavors. She was an only child, who delighted in the fact that she was blessed with a large family.  She is survived by her husband, James; a daughter, Sherry (Carl) Doxtator of Choteau; and sons, James (Susan) Peebles of Missoula; Thomas (Carla) Peebles of Great Falls; Robert (Kelly) Peebles of Choteau and Stewart (Mary) Peebles of Carson City, Nevada. She had 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. 

Marian had the gift of hospitality and welcomed all who came to her door. 

Memorials and donations in Marian's honor are suggested to the Teton Medical Center Extended Care Unit; 915 4th Street NW; Choteau, MT 59422.