Marlene Lynn Lightfoot Olmstead, 83, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, in her hometown of Deer Lodge, Montana, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Seattle, WA to Aubrey “Buck” Dexter Lightfoot and Gladys “Babe” Marie Cushing-Smith, Marlene remained deeply rooted in the community throughout her life. On March 9, 1963, she married the love of her life, Wayne George Olmstead, also in Deer Lodge, and together they shared decades of marriage, family, and memories.
Marlene had a creative spirit and a warm heart. She found joy in making jewelry, reading, and playing cards with her family and friends. She was also a proud and active member of both the Elks and the Order of the Eastern Star, always giving back to the community that meant so much to her.
She is survived by her children, Tammy Marie Olmstead Perkins (John) and Kyle Patrick Olmstead (Rena); grandchildren Chelsey (Blain) Aiton, Jacob (Jenae) Gilman, Shane (Ciara) Gilman, Dyllon McDermid, Cierra Olmstead, Devon (Shepherd) Warren, and Dexter Olmstead, Scott (Kacie) Perkins, Josh (Brandon) Perkins; and great-grandchildren Aubrey, Braxon, Lennox, Ryker, Renlee, JT, Starlee, Hudson, and Ruby, and Trace.
Marlene was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Buck and Babe Lightfoot, and her husband, Wayne Olmstead.
In honor of Marlene’s love for her community, memorials are suggested to the Deer Lodge Senior Center, 100 Missouri Ave., Deer Lodge, MT 59722, or to Honeybee Hospice, 3099 Grand Ave., Butte, MT 59701.
She will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the deep love she had for her family and friends.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Marlene and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Marlene.
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Service Schedule
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Michele Steyh says
Tammy and family, your Mom was the sweetest woman and I will always remember her love for music and Jammers at the Elks. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Shelley Steyh
Erin Jewell says
I will miss Marlene and her spunky attitude. She always had a smile and a great big hug to give anytime she saw me. I have fond memories of performing on stage with her in The Sound of Music. She will be dearly missed. Prayers to her family and friends.
Karen Johnson Woods says
I have known Marlene since I was very young. My mom and dad were friends with her parents. I always loved her. She was so much fun, and she was so kind. I have so many good memories of times spent with her and her parents. ❤️
Jackie Erovick says
Marlene,
I don’t think I’ve ever ment someone who was as spunky, intellectual, charming and as interesting as Marlene.
She was like a historian, her memory was incredible and she could recall past experiences in detail. Marlene was blessed with a high IQ and those that knew her, enjoyed listening to her recall on books and life stories.
Marlene had many hobbies from painting, making Jewelry, collecting unique things, playing trivia and collecting gems.
When she was over 80, Marlene was motivated and active enough to drive her yellow Can-Am into the mountains. She will be missed and never forgotten. She is now with her beloved husband and friends. Marlene was also very proud of the success of her two children Tammy and Kyle.
Joan Bozlee says
May my thoughts and prayers be with your family. Marlene was a wonderful, intelligent woman whom knew no strangers. She loved everything in life and everyday was an adventure. 🌹🙏❤️
Diana Solle says
I will miss her laugh. May God give you peace during your loss.
Evelyn Johnson says
I adored Marlene so very much!! I loved hearing all her life’s stories. She will be missed so very much. Thoughts and prayers to Tammy and her family and friends during this difficult time. 💜
Lynn Torres says
Tammy. Our endings never measure up to the life well lived. We have the ability to focus on better times in due course. You have done so much for your mom’s happiness and well being., some things with great difficulty. I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. Lynn
Charla Bacon says
My husband, Don grew up on Kentucky ave. He was a frequent visitor at the Lightfoot household. Marlene & he shared many adventures.
Buck,Babe & Marlene welcomed me with their usual warmth upon marriage. Marlene will be missed. My prayers for your loss.
Laura Lee Swant says
I took piano lessons from Marlene’s mother, Mrs Lightfoot some 65 years ago. Although I don’t recall ever meeting her at their house back then, in recent years seeing Marlene around Deer Lodge certainly took me right back to my childhood. She appeared, walked, talked & laughed like her mother.