Obituary of Ilene Kay Olsen

Ilene Kay “Barney” Olsen was called home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 19, 2021.

Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming on June 23, 1951, to Lloyd Behrens, Sr. and Sarah C. Behrens, Ilene, to all who knew her, was a unique and caring individual who touched the lives of many.  She and Robert “Bob” Murray are the parents to Rob and Jared Murray.  They were dedicated to their sons in all aspects of their lives. 

She was a 1969 graduate of Grand Island High School, in Grand Island, NE.  Ilene attended Grace Bible College in Omaha, NE and began working for Northwestern Bell in 1970.  She was quickly promoted within “Ma Bell,” holding positions from operator to a management level, Service Assistant.  In September of 1981, Ilene moved with her young family to Arvada, Colorado, where she lived the remainder of her life.  She worked with various companies in the automotive industry, receiving multiple performance and service awards and accolades.  Ilene ended her career at Johnson Auto Plaza in Brighton, Colorado—just recently receiving the “Employee of the Year” recognition.  She devoted her entire life to her family, many friends, colleagues, work, and her grand-dog, Chance.  She loved road-trips, antique shops, truck stops, Nebraska, class reunions, every moment with her grandkids, dressing up for Halloween, gift-giving, Christmas ornaments, baking lemon meringue pies, movies, Facebook, Nora- “the Cow,” dogs and under-dogs, diners, and biscuits and gravy.

Ilene was an active and faithful member of Grace Church in Arvada, Colorado.  She recently stated, “I don’t want anyone to ever portray me as perfect. I wasn’t, but I did love Jesus.”   She bravely and courageously fought Stage IV cancer for 17 months, enjoying the last five weeks of her life on this earth attending Grace Church, nibbling treats from Rheinlander bakery, breakfasts at George’s Café, and celebrating her 70^th birthday at a party, surrounded by family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. 

Ilene is preceded in death by her father, Lloyd E. Behrens, Sr., brothers, Howard D. Behrens and Lloyd E. Behrens, Jr.  She is survived by her sons, Robert Michael and Jared Allen Murray, mother, Sarah C. Behrens, siblings, Cristy M. Ottley, Michael B. Behrens, E. Lynn Feasel, and Timothy M. Behrens, daughter-in-law, Amie Murray, and beloved grandchildren, Charlie, Haylie, and Grace. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at Grace Church of Arvada, 6969 Sheridan Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003.   Internment will be conducted in a private ceremony.  Her resting place will be at Broomfield County Commons Cemetery, alongside her brother, Buddy. 

Per the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the future PEACE/Youth Center at Grace.  https://www.gracechurchco.com/give   Choose PEACE for the giving type.

Condolences may be sent to the family at https://allstatescremation.com