Marian S. Kutlesa 1934-2024

Born Dec. 1, 1934, in Wheeling, W.Va., Marian was the daughter of the late Andrew and Sara Foster Butinski. In her early adulthood, her family relocated to the Youngstown area, where she graduated from The Rayen School, Class of 1953.

On Oct. 2, 1954, she married George Kutlesa and they made their home in the neighborhood of Nebo in Struthers. Their life together was marked by mutual support and shared passions, and filled with creativity, community service, preservation of history and a deep appreciation for the United States of America.

After 47 years of marriage, George passed away on April 26, 2002.

Marian was a cherished member of the Struthers community, renowned for her talents as a photographer, local artist and historian. Her appreciation for the arts was evident in her watercolor creations, which found homes throughout Mahoning County. Her work at the local paper, The Journal, during the Bicentennial in 1978, aroused Marian’s interest in history, leading her to become the founding member and curator of the Struthers Historical Society located within the historic Frankfort home on Terrace Street. Her dedication to the society was unwavering, as she served tirelessly in numerous capacities for the preservation of Struthers’ rich history. In recognition of her efforts, Marian was honored as a WYTV Hometown Hero and received the Mahoning Valley Historical Society Preservation Award in 2011. Additionally, her contributions to local authors were significant, assisting seven writers in their historical research endeavors.

In 1979, Marian returned to school at Youngstown State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in archeology and anthropology in 1983. Her interests led her to participate in many excavations, including the Trumbull and Mercer Furnace dig under the guidance of Dr. John White.

An avid traveler, Marian shared many adventures with her husband George, volunteering for over two decades at national parks. With family, they preferred traveling by RV, exploring the western United States and Native American culture. Marian appreciated their craftsmanship and became a collector of Native American arts and crafts. Throughout their travels, they made lasting friendships and many cherished memories.

Marian was actively involved in various organizations, including the Youngstown Camera Club and the Mahoning Valley Watercolor Society. She was also a proud member of Daughters of the American Revolution and a devoted volunteer for The Butler Institute of American Art, where she served as a docent, sharing her enthusiasm for art and history with others.

Marian leaves behind her devoted daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Zetts, and son-in-law, Bob Zetts of Struthers; her two beloved granddaughters, Stacey and Sarah Dworak of Cincinnati; and her great-granddaughter, Aubrey Morgan.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marian was preceded in death by three brothers, Andrew, James and Victor Butinski; one sister, Louise Spoljaric; and one sister-in-law, Anna Butinski.

Her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she touched, the art she created and the histories she preserved by recognizing the significance of our past for the benefit of our future.

Marian’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care provided by the staff at Masternick Memorial and Southern Care Hospice.

A celebration of Marian’s life will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at the Struthers Historical Museum, 50 Terrace St., which would have been Marian’s 90th birthday.

The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to the Struthers Historical Society, 50 Terrace St., Struthers, OH 44471, in memory of Marian.

Arrangements are being handled by Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St. in Struthers. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Marian’s family.

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