Nell Louise Olmsted

Nell Louise Olmsted passed away on October 24, 2025 with her husband of 68 years, Bob, and her sons, Jeff and Jon, by her side.

Nell was born on August 27, 1935 to Margaret (Maggie) and Herbert Mosley. Nell’s childhood was divided between Clarksville, Tennessee and Lincoln Park, Michigan. She was the second of 8 children and acted as both sister and second mother to her siblings.

At the age of 21 Nell met Robert (Bob) Olmsted at her college football game in Clarksville, where Bob was serving in the Army. They were married within the year and spent 68 loving and adventurous years together.

Over the course of the years, Nell and Bob had two sons, Jeff and Jon and moved houses over 20 times. Bob’s career as a construction project manager took them all across the United States which was both exciting and challenging. A large majority of those years was spent in Kansas and Arkansas. During those years Nell was actively involved in many social, volunteer, and political clubs and activities. She also attended more athletic events for her sons and grandchildren that one can possibly count! Nell made and maintained many friendships all over the country and continued to meet up with those friends until her very last days. Nell also enjoyed painting and writing poetry and her walls were always adorned with paintings of the many places she had visited or lived. They will remain a legacy to her love of art and color.

When Jeff and Jon had children, Nell became “Grannell” or, as the grandkids would say early on- “Nannell”. Nell quickly became “Grannell” to many of the adults and children who were a part of her life. It just fit. She was a loving and hands-on grandmother who always had time to play and share her sense of fun and whimsy. The grandchildren cherished their time with her and Bob.

Nell is survived by her husband Bob, her children, Jeff Olmsted (Cheryl), Jon Olmsted (Susan) and her grandsons, Ian Olmsted and Garrett Olmsted. She is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Haley Olmsted. Nell is also survived by her 7 brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers you make donations to the Oaklawn Chapel in Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

Private family services will be held at a later date.