The U.S. was mired in its seventh year of the Great Depression when first Marie drew breath. Abandoned by her father, she and her mother were homeless when WW2 began. Marie sometimes recounted tales of sleeping in cemeteries, curled beneath a blanket taken from someone’s clothesline.

The year she turned five, her mother remarried and Marie was blessed with a stepfather who adored her. He affectionately referred to her as, "Pug". She called him, "Dottie".

Marie was 19 when she married Elden Christensen, from whom she was later divorced. She gave birth to her daughters in 1957 and 1959.

In 1970, Marie met and married Larry Chidester.

Upon his semi-retirement, the couple relocated to Arizona, where they attended Firm Foundation Bible Church.

During her lifetime, Marie worked in the banking industry and provided accounting and secretarial services for both private companies and a large school district.

She was curious, artistic and ever learning. She took lessons in watercolor painting, fly fishing, tennis, ceramics and advanced sewing techniques. Her creativity was reflected in her home, her dress, her cooking and--at one time--beautifully manicured rose gardens.

Marie's love of animals made her especially dear to her sister-in-law, Phyllis. Former coworkers and church members commented on her kindness and tenacity. Then there was that quirky sense of humor--and the way she still said, "Y'all", 60 years after leaving the south.

Most importantly to Marie was that others feel the love of Christ through her.

Marie Vivian Lancaster Chidester, born July 1936, went to be with her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, March 24, 2026.  In addition to her parents. Marie is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Larry Chidester.

She is survived by Children:  Kimberly (Andrew) Malkogainnis;  Robin (Marc) Schmidt; Brian (Angela) Chidester; Tina Chidester. 

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