Marlene Olmstead, 81, of Overton, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Elwood Care Center.

She was born on December 8, 1944, at home in rural Cozad to Harold and Georgia Refior. She attended public school in Elm Creek and graduated from Elm Creek High School with the class of 1963. She went on to attend beauty school in Kearney where she received her cosmetology degree. On December 12, 1965, Marlene was united in marriage to Glenn Olmstead at the Elm Creek Christian Church. The couple welcomed two children into their life: Troy and Tracy.

Marlene was an incredibly hard worker and dedicated her time to many places over the years. She had opened her own Beauty Shop in the Overton area for several years, later managing bookkeeping duties for Overton Sand and Gravel. Marlene and Glenn would later purchase a grocery store in Overton, named Mo's Grocery Store until selling it years later. She then went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service until her retirement. She was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and worked for them for a number of years as well. Marlene was also quite involved in her community as a Village of Overton Board Member for several years as well as being a part of Wednesday women's golfing league.

Marlene enjoyed keeping a meticulous lawn and always had a gorgeous garden. When she wasn't outside working on her lawn, she could be found at home, watching or listening to the Huskers on Saturdays. She was an amazing baker, teaching her children and grandchildren to make pretzels and she loved every minute of it. In her younger years, Marlene created ceramics. She was always canning, especially pickles, jellies and jams. Sundays were Marlene's day to do some self-care, spending hours making sure her nails looked perfect.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 60 years, Glenn Olmstead of Overton; children, Troy (Gina) Olmstead and Tracy (Greg) Weiland, both of Overton; grandchildren, Zachary (Katrina) Olmstead of Overton, Jacob (Jenna) Olmstead of Overton, Mallory Olmstead of Grand Island, Morgan (Kate Zelfer) Olmstead of Overton, Logan (Ashleigh) Weiland of Omaha, and Emma Weiland of Overton; twelve great-grandchildren; siblings, Charlie Refior of Dallas, Oregon, Edith (Terry) Rains of Dallas, Oregon, and Charlotte (Chuck) Wion of Gardena, California; sisters-in-law, Bev Refior of Odessa, Nebraska, and Nancy Refior Hollingsworth of Cheyenne, Wyoming; brother-in-law, Allen Olmstead of Overton; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Marlene was preceded in death by her siblings, John Refior, George Refior, Paul Refior, and David Refior, and her sister-in-law, Bev Petet.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Overton, with Pastor Venedith Vargas, officiating . The service will be live-streamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Interment will be held after the service at the Overton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with family receiving guests from 3-5 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Overton United Methodist Church, the Elwood Care Center, or to Nebraska Children's Home.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com