Lela Ann Olmsted

Lela Ann Hansen Olmsted (Lea Olmsted), was born on June 12, 1935 and passed away on January 12, 2026. Lea is the daughter of the late Peter jensen Hansen and Mildred Winnie Anderson Hansen. She was born at home on the family ranch located 7 miles southwest of Lisco, Nebraska

Lea graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1953 and immediately began employment with The Bell System Telephone Company in Ogallala, Nebraska; transferring to Denver, Colorado in 1956. She retired with 30 years of service in 1983 at the age of 48. She also volunteered at the Denver Art Museum for 30 years.

April 8, 1961 Lea married Thomas Ray Olmsted in the Messiah Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado. They enjoyed 58 years together. Tom passed away on July 12, 2019. Together they lived a very active life: climbing 14-foot mountains, skiing, playing golf, and traveling world-wide.

She is survived by Percy and Marlys Hansen of Broadwater, Nebraska, Thelma and David Smith of Lone Tree, Iowa, donna Hansen of Bridgeport, Nebraska, and 13 nieces and nephews.

Lea's ashes were scattered beside her husband, Tom, on Mount Lindo in Morrison, Colorado.

A Silent Tear

Just close your eyes and you will see

all the memories that you have of me.

Just sit and relax and you will find

I'm really there inside your mind.

Don't cry for me, now I'm gone.

For I am in the land of song.

There is no pain, there is no fear

So dry away that silent tear.

Don't think of me in the dark and cold

I'm here I am no longer old.

I'm in that place that's filled with love.

Known to you all as "up above".