Mary Caroline Knudtson Tilton July 24, 1928 – November 3, 2024

Mary Caroline Knudtson Tilton, 96, passed away peacefully November 3, 2024, with son, Peter, and daughter, Jennifer, at her side in Bend, Oregon, her home for the past eight years.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota to parents Earl and Catharine Knudtson, Mary graduated from Washburn Senior High School and entered the University of Minnesota where her grandfather, Lotus Delta Coffman, once presided as the fifth president of that university (serving 1920 to 1938). Mary pursued a BA in English Literature and History and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

During college, Mary worked two summers in Glacier National Park in Montana, sparking an interest in traveling west. Once graduated, Mary fulfilled her dreams and journeyed west to Santa Barbara, California. Visiting a friend of hers there, she decided to stay.

Mary met her lifelong love, David Tilton, on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. They raised four children in a close-knit equestrian neighborhood in Montecito, California.

Early on, Mary was active in the community, including her involvement with the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital League and others. She also served on the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury and the Santa Barbara County Drug Task force in the 1970s, reaching out to those incarcerated and finding fulfillment in contributing to the betterment of the community.

Mary was a vivacious woman who loved parties and entertaining with her husband David at their home, and oftentimes showed up in the Society Section of the Santa Barbara News Press for their community efforts and gala events. She enjoyed golf at the Valley Club of Montecito, tennis at Knollwood, and playing bridge with friends. Mary loved the ocean and was enthralled with marine life. Snorkeling her way around Wailea Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii, she sometimes found herself a little too far out but always managed to safely return to shore for the next exciting event. Her annual trek to the Big Island of Hawaii was their favorite getaway for over 25 years.

Mary is survived by her children Peter Tilton, Jennifer Tansey and her fiancé, Michael Setzer, Michael Tilton and his wife Cecilia, and Catharine White; eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her husband, David, her parents, Earl and Catharine, her sister, Catharine Larsen, her brother William Knudtson, and her son-in-law, Bruce White.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, and friend to those fortunate enough to have known her. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in memory of Mary made to Partners In Care Hospice House, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, Oregon 97701.