Clara Elaine Olmsted

January 29, 1930 – August 14, 2025

Clara Elaine Olmsted of Valentine, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, surrounded by family and prayer.

Born in Madison County, Nebraska, to Cloyd Kilpatrick Sr. and Hope Waddington-Kilpatrick. Clara Elaine entered the world weighing just 3 pounds, so tiny that her first crib was a shoebox. Despite such a fragile beginning, she grew into a woman full of strength, faith, and her spunky Irish spirit.

As a young woman in Neligh, Nebraska, Elaine met the love of her life, Charles Wayne Olmsted. On July 3, 1948, she became his "little sweetie pie," and together they built a life and family rooted in love and faith.

Elaine lived a remarkable and full life. She once competed in the Mrs. America Pageant, and in her later years she loved meeting and visiting with people from all across the United States who came through her grandson's store in Valentine, Nebraska. No matter where she was in life, Elaine had a gift for making connections, sharing stories, and leaving people with a smile.

Elaine poured her heart into her home and family. She loved playing games, and everyone knew they were in for a challenge at her table. When she'd take you off the board, she'd grin and say, "I sorry," in the most playful way, then laugh — a memory her family will cherish forever. She never let anyone leave her home hungry, always had a remedy or word of wisdom to share, and faithfully prayed over her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by her children: Diane Foster and her husband Roger, Jerry Olmsted and his wife K.L., Connie Williams and her husband Dale. She is also survived by her grandchildren:

Cody Foster,
Sam Williams,
Melissa Williams,
Lauren Olmsted,
Andrea Andre and her husband Shannon, Jeremy Williams and his wife Tanya, Mark Foster, and his wife Julie, Angie Foster and
her husband, Ben.

She is also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Olmsted; her parents, Cloyd Kilpatrick Sr. and Hope Waddington- Kilpatrick; her brother, Cloyd Kilpatrick Jr.; and her sister, Cleone Kilpatrick.

A viewing will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025 starting at 6:00 PM Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sandoz' Chapel of the Pines with burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery

Elaine's family rejoices knowing she is at peace in Heaven, reunited with her beloved Wayne, and that her prayers continue to cover those she leaves behind.