Obituary of Marilynn C. Tullar

Marilynn Chase Tullar

NORTH CHILI – Passed away December 14, 2023, aged 90. Marilynn is predeceased by her husband, Dudley Tullar; parents, Helen & Warren Chase; siblings, Florence Anna Bachman, Virginia Chase & Richard Chase; sisters-in law, Janet & Betty Tullar; brothers-in-law, Douglas Tullar, Darrell Bachman & Walter Weiss.

She is survived by her children, Nancy (David) Battleson, Beverly (Jason) Behm, Timothy (Judy) Tullar & Thomas (Severcan) Tullar; grandchildren, Bobbi Hardy, Keith Battleson, Bryan Behm & Jordan Behm; great-grandchildren, Roman & Solomon Battleson, Brooklyn, Bryan, Joseph & Elijah Behm; sister, Dorothy Weiss; brother-in-law, David Tullar.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 23rd from 10:30-11:30AM at Pearce Memorial Church, 4322 Buffalo Rd, North Chili, NY 14514. Marilynn’s celebration of life service and luncheon will follow at church from 11:30AM-1:30PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilynn’s memory may be directed to the Pearce Memorial Church. Private interment will be held at North Chili Rural Cemetery.

Remembering Marilynn

Marilynn was born on May 17, 1933 in McPherson, KS to parents Warren Chase and Helen VanValin Chase Lutz. Marilynn’s mother was a homemaker, while her father worked as a coach and evangelist (sometimes his preaching jobs earned payment in the form of crops or chickens). Together, Warren and Helen raised Marilynn along with siblings, Florence, Dorothy, Virginia, and Richard.

She attended grade school in a number of locations – Ottawa, KS; Albion, NY; Franklin, PA; and Youngsville, PA. Marilynn eventually settled in the Chili area, attending high school at the Roberts Wesleyan High School and college at Roberts Wesleyan, too. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work and excelled musically, singing with her sisters in a church trio. 

Marilynn entered the workforce with Taylor Instrument and eventually went on to take job as nursery schoolteacher for Pearce Memorial Church. Marilynn was an active participant in her faith community. She was a member of the Christian Women’s Club, acting as a Bible study leader, area representative, and speaker. She also taught Sunday school at Pearce Memorial Church. In her free time, Marilynn enjoyed sailing, sewing, baking, needlepoint, knitting, entertaining guests, and reading.

During her time at Roberts Wesleyan College, Marilynn Chase met the love of her life, Dudley Tullar. The pair married on March 5, 1955. Their union was one of vast love and devotion which lasted until Dudley’s passing in 1998. They were blessed with four children – Nancy, Beverly, and twins Timothy and Thomas. Throughout her lifetime, Marilynn invited canine companions to be part of the family, too, including Brownie, Smokey, Red, and Tina Muff. As a family, the Tullars valued quality time together. They visited parks, went roller and ice skating, took yearly vacations, participated in church activities, played board games, went sledding, go-carting, biking, and four-wheeling. The most important aspects of Marilynn’s life were her faith in God and her strong relationship with her family.

Marilynn enjoyed music. She played the piano and sang very well. She could often be found listening to hymns and Big Band songs, or maybe watching Lawrence Welk or Everybody Loves Raymond. Oftentimes, Marilynn quipped, “It’s always something.” or “Did you just call me??” or “One swell foop” (instead of one fell swoop). She treasured her relationships with her friends, too, especially Diane Drury, Nancy Morrison, the Darlings, the Kemps, Marilyn Pert, and Bev Malizia.

Marilynn will be remembered with love as a sassy, funny, spontaneous woman who had tremendous devotion to her faith. She was cherished by many and was an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know her.