Marlene Rae Tidyman was an elementary school secretary

Marlene Rae Tidyman, age 80, of McCook, NE entered the joy of the Lord in Heaven on Monday, January 23, 2023 at the Community Hospital in McCook.

Marlene was born January 17, 1943, in Bluffton, OH, the daughter of Leland and Martha (Bucher) Basinger. Along with a twin sister, Marlene was one of three siblings.  She attended school in Bluffton, graduating from high school in 1961.

Following high school, Marlene went on to attend the Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, NE where she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Tidyman. The couple was joined in marriage on July 4, 1964 in Omaha, and became the proud parents of five children. 

Marlene and Bill made their home in Omaha and Hershey, NE before moving to Hayes County in 1974 where the family continues to farm and ranch.  Outside of life on the farm, Marlene worked as a secretary for the Hayes Center Elementary School for over twenty years.  She enjoyed reading and playing the piano.  Her faith and involvement in the Evergreen Union Church were of the upmost importance to Marlene. It was here that she taught AWANA and served in WMS (Women’s Missionary Service) and as church secretary.  Marlene’s greatest desire was for everyone to know and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; sister in law and brother in law, Gene (Carol) Tatman; and brother in law, Homer Ruppert.

Those left to celebrate her life include her husband, Bill Tidyman of rural McCook, NE; children, Philip (Monica) Tidyman of Stromsburg, NE, Miriam (John Mark) Lewis of Mason City, NE, Timothy (Jenifer) Tidyman of Chadron, NE, Jonathan (Kelly) Tidyman of Newcastle, WY and James (Daphne) Tidyman of Maywood, NE; grandmother to twenty, Daniel Tidyman, Aaron Tidyman, Benjamin (Kenna) Tidyman; Rebekah (Zach) Lueck, Esther (Isaac) Bradley, Hannah (Joe) Pelling, Sarah (Robert) Ritz, David Lewis, Joshua Lewis; Megan (Aaron) Henry, William Tidyman, Teagan (Jared) Sutphin, Gabe Tidyman, Jadyn Tidyman; Bryson Tidyman, Dylon Tidyman, Shelby Tidyman; Zachary Tidyman, Connor Tidyman and Brooklyn Tidyman; seven great grandchildren, Jesse, Nichole and Amber Lueck; Roran and Oaklynn Henry; Naomi Sutphin and Miles Bradley; twin sister, Arlene (Richard) Garmatter; brother, Steve (Stephanie) Basinger; in-laws, Naomi Ruppert, Donna (Don) Behnke, Bethel (Tom) Stewart, Holly (Alvin) Gwin, Dean (Lori) Tidyman and Ken (Mary) Tidyman; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, extended family members and friends.

Visitation with family present to greet friends will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Ruzicka officiating.

Burial will follow in the Maywood Cemetery, Maywood, NE.

Memorial contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers in Marlene’s name to a church or mission of your choice and may be directed to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o the Tidyman Family, PO Box 476, McCook, NE 69001.