I have the Marlin 336TS, with the 18.5 inch barrel. The 336 Is a good rifle for a beginner, it shoots straight, it's lightweight and easy to maintain.

such a nice rifle (*stops drooling, remembers this is a gift for the missus*) Thing is, the only one I found nearby is a youth model without a scope. Guy wants $400 which is my max so she would have to use the iron sights. Its definitely on my "maybe" list for now

or the Stevens 200, which is a Savage receiver and barrel with a no frills stock. You may have to have the stock cut length for her.

Given your price requirements, you may have to consider a used gun.

On the used market, consider a sporterized Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55, it will make a fine deer rifle, being accurate with mild recoil.

cammo stock, nice Bushnell scope. Got it new for $329. Wife is super thrilled with it! We mounted the scope and boresighted it but it needs some fine tuning. At the time we only had super expensive ammo so we're waiting til we can get some cheaper Federal ammo to run through it to get it all sighted in. Thanks for the rec!

...to sight it in with the same ammunition that you intend to shoot regularly, and also try a variety. Different loadings will shoot to different points of impact, and some will be more accurate than others in any given rifle. Good choice in gun though....308 is fairly mild in recoil and enough gun for most N. American game.

They can be had for about $240. Reliable and very simple to operate. The H&R 1871 Tracker II Slug Gun weighs just 5 1/4 lbs.

While I do Agree with every one's suggestions that they have made here, my personal preference for deer hunting is a customized AR platform. The reason for this is

A). There is no bolt, so you don't have to take your eyes off of the target
B). While rather expensive when compared to the other rifles suggested here, the AR platform can be easily converted into a Home Defense weapon that every one in the family can use, from you with your, I assume, man hands, to your wife.
C). The AR is easily disassembled, has only 3 main parts: bolt, cocking handle, and bolt spring located in butt stock. As a sub-side of this, you can switch out the barrels for .308 and .223 for different types of game.
D). The AR is the most popular platform in the U.S, which means there is really no limit to spare parts should your rifle break down.
E). The AR can mount various accessories for hunting such as night vision optics ( I use these for hunting wild boar), scopes, bi-pods, butt stocks with raised cheek rests and so forth.
D). I have seen versions where there are AR-15's with 7 inch barrels, which I know, isn't much use in hunting due to decreased accuracy, but you see what I'm getting at.

*Update
Didn't notice the $400 budget there. While I do know this rifle is nowhere near that price range, I'm just throwing it out there that it is worth taking a look at...

since when did liberals feel the need to justify a choice?

I actually have much experience with bolt actions, both in hunting and for plinking. I currently "own" ( I say own because my dad's name is on paper work, I'm only 16) a Remington 700, a Mauser K98K from WW2, a M1903 Springfield and my personal favorite, a M1898 Mosin-Nagant. And I don't see the need for justification for an AR because there shouldn't be the need for a justification. I suggested an AR because it suits my needs plus any one can shoot it, heck even my 12 year old bonus brother ( I don't like the term "step-brother as it implies I don't love him) can shoot it.