Marian was born on Oct. 18, 1926, to Fred M. and Mary E. (Taylor) Bittle in rural Putnam County. She was the youngest of six children -- three brothers, Robert, George and Keith, and two sisters, Edith and Freda Jean.
In 1944, Marian graduated from Greencastle High School and attended secretarial classes at DePauw University in 1947.
From 1944 to 1947, Marian worked as a budget clerk at Wright Field Air Service Command in Fairborn and Dayton, Ohio. In 1947, Marian moved back to Greencastle and worked at DePauw University in the business office as secretary/receptionist to the chief accountant and later as secretary to the comptroller. Marian retired from DPU in 1988 after a career that spanned 33 years.
Marian was married to Harry D. McClaine on June 14, 1947. He preceded her in death on June 25, 1996, after 49 years of marriage. On June 28, 1997, Marian married long-time family friend Paul E. Giddings. Paul preceded Marian in death on Oct. 3, 2016, after 19 years of marriage.
In addition, Marian was pre-deceased by her parents, brothers and sisters, and several nieces and nephews – all of which knew her as “Aunt Mimi,” “Midge” or “Slim.”
Marian was a member of the First Christian Church and was baptized in July 1955. She served as treasurer for four years and as president and secretary of the CWF group, enjoying the fellowship of church service groups. Her favorite verse is from Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This comforted her and gave her strength many times in her life.
During her 96 years, Marian was passionate about her family and loved the annual reunions held in either Greencastle or Fairborn/Dayton, Ohio. She loved cooking and baking and enjoyed hosting family dinners and setting a beautiful table.
Marian was very active in Kappa Delta Phi sorority, joining in June 1955, receiving a 50-year service pin, and was honored as a “patroness” of the organization for her many years of service.
Marian was a member of the Putnam County Hospital Guild, assisting with the gift shop operations, and was active in a DePauw Retiree Club and Mothers’ Study Club. After retirement, she enjoyed selling SASCO Aloe Vera products with her husband Harry. But she received the most joy from her family, home and kitchen.
Marian is survived by two sons, Michael L McClaine (Brenda) and Frederick W. McClaine (Jamie); three stepdaughters, Deirdre Jordling (Ed), Pam Higgins (Bob) and Teresa Acosta (Robert); four grandchildren, Matthew McClaine (Sarah), Meghan Armitage (Craig), Maci McClaine and Graysen McClaine; six step-grandchildren, Brian Jordling, Kevin Jordling (Cynthia), Ryan Higgins (Jonie), Lauren Higgins, Derek Acosta (Angela) and Kelly Bauman (Josh); seven great-grandchildren, 10 step great-grandchildren and three step great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at Bittles & Hurt Funeral Home in Greencastle on Monday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. Visitation will be prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Putnam County Museum, 1105 N. Jackson St., Greencastle, IN 46135, or the Putnam County Playhouse, P.O. Box 309, Greencastle, IN 46135.
