Lena was born April, 21, 1922 in Park, Kansas to Nick and Marie Malsom. After graduating from high school, Lena was employed at a glider factory in Kansas City, Kansas. It was there that she met Alton Marshall, who was stationed there, with the US Army. They married on February 23, 1946 and resided on the Benton Marshall ranch. To this union 4 children were born: Deitra, Darrell, Susan and Marilyn.

Later they moved to the Marsland area where Lena assisted Alton in the farming/ranching business. In October 1984 they retired and moved to Chadron. Lena was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the American Legion and volunteered for the RSVP program.

Several years after Alton’s death in October 2003, Lena moved to Prairie Pines where she took part in a variety of their activities. In November 2013 she moved to Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs.

Immediate survivors:

Daughters: Deitra Coakes, Susan and husband Allan Mintken and Marilyn Keller

Son: Darrell and wife Lou Marshall

Grandchildren: 6

Step-grandchildren: 4

Great-grandchildren: 8

Step-great-grandchildren: 4

Sister: Margaret Powers

Brother: Frank Malsom

Preceding her in death were her parents, 4 sisters and 2 brothers.