Margaret L. Tabbut, 90, El Cajon, CA, formerly of Moorhead, MN, died March 28, 2009, in San Diego, CA after a brief illness.
Margaret was born in Glyndon, MN, on Nov. 6, 1918, to C. Vernon and Amy Fobes. At six weeks of age, the family moved to a farm north of Moorhead on the Red River. After graduating from Moorhead High School, she attended Moorhead State College and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1941 in Home Economics Education. She earned her Master's Degree in Food and Nutrition from NDSU in 1967.
Margaret taught in Pine City and Crookston, MN, before joining the faculty of the University of Minnesota as a state 4-H club agent. She traveled the state for the U of MN extension service and also judged numerous 4-H club events. It was through her 4-H club work in Otter Tail County that she met Perry Tabbut. They married Dec. 1, 1945, upon his return from WWII. He preceded her in death in 1981.
Margaret taught adult education in the Fargo Public Schools from 1949-1960. She pioneered a weekly food program on WDAY TV from 1950-1958. As a Professor of Home Economics at Concordia College from 1958-1983, she developed the Food and Nutrition major and served as department chair from 1974-1980.
Margaret was actively involved as a member of First Congregational Church for over 50 years and served on numerous boards and committees. She was also a member of various community and vocational organizations including Mu Phi Epsilon, PEO, C-400, AHEA, and Phi Upsilon Omicron. Having served on the Clay County Campfire Council, she received the National Leadership Award. She also served on the Advisory Committee of the Clay County Vocational Center.
Her family continues the tradition of strong Christian commitment. Margaret is survived by her son, Dr. Byron (Marilyn) Tabbut, Warrenville, IL; daughters, Dr. Susan (Dr. Fred) Rowe, Bakersfield, CA, and Mary (Dr. John) Hovey, Jamul, CA; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy (Dr. Laurel) Anderson, Columbia, MO.
Memorial service: Saturday, May 9, 2009, at 10 AM,
First Congregational-United Church of Christ, Moorhead.