Marlene Elizabeth Dodson, age 86, of North Platte, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Great Plains Medical Health of North Platte.

Marlene (May) was born June 17, 1932, in Indian Creek Township, Mills County, Iowa, to William and Elsie (Pierce) May. She spent most of her life in North Platte, graduating near the top of her class at North Platte High in 1951.

In 1951, Marlene married David Craig in North Platte, Ne., and from this union they had two children, David and Debra. In 1961, Marlene married Donald Dodson, in Aurora, Colorado.   Added to the family were sons Douglas, Greg, and Mark.

Marlene early in life worked briefly for Hansen and Fuenning, proofing income tax returns. During her remaining years, she perfected her role as wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as caretaker of her elderly mother.

Mom was happiest when she was busy being productive. Besides handling the many duties of being the best Mom possible, she was known to wear several other hats as well. During the summer months, being caretaker of the half-acre garden was one. She could have written a book on home decorating on a really tight budget. Being self-taught on the art of sewing, and how to can our garden variety, were memorable traits she passed onto her daughter. Writing a successful resume for one child, a book report for another, and over-seeing the family dog deliver 13 pups were just a few of her skills. She loved to cut the rug, the jitterbug being her favorite; even her youngest son could not outdo her on the dance floor. Mom was an avid bridge player, reverting to playing on-line with folks across the globe. And she found time being a great bowler early on. Later in life, she was an avid, knowledgeable Cornhusker fan, setting her schedule around any Husker team doing well that year, at least according to her standards.

Although Marlene fought several chronic ailments during the latter half of her life, the one thing that kept her going was her love of family. That was never in doubt. Her life centered around the lives of her large family. This head-strong, smart-as-a-whip, and loving head-of-the-household will be sorely missed.

Marlene is survived by children, David (Nancy) Craig of Indiana, Debra (Gale) Luenenborg of North Platte, Doug (Chula) Dodson of South Carolina, Greg (Christine) Dodson of Texas, and Mark Dodson of Georgia; sisters-in-law, Mary Beth Dodson, Mary Ann Carlson, and Colleen May; nine grandchildren; 15 great- grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Dodson; half-brothers, Mike May and Herbert May; brothers-in law, George, Joe, Bill, Jim, Tom, and Francis Dodson; and sisters-in law, Shirley, Gloria, Norma, and Jane Dodson.

Memorial donations are suggested to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment Fund.   Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Cremation was chosen. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, June 21, at 10:00 am at the St. Patrick Catholic Church with the Reverend Matthew Nash as celebrant. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Following the burial, a luncheon will be offered at the Moose Lodge in North Platte for those wishing to attend. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.