Graduated from Fremont High School in 1951, Valedictorian of her class. Received her BA in English from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1955 and married Richard V. Odgers that afternoon.
They moved to Evanston IL for Richard to attend Garrett Theological Seminary. In 1958 Marie began her role as the pastor’s wife, for the United Methodist Church, serving churches in Newman Grove (1958-1961) rural Central City (1961- 1966) , then Osceola ( 1966 -1971), Gordon, (1971-1975), Ainsworth (1975-1977), Neligh (1977-1990), Ashland (1990 -1993).
They retired to Lincoln, and she returned to NWU at the age of 58 and completed an AA in Library Science. Marie was a member of St. Davids later in life. Marie was very active in Girl Scouting from 1941 until 2017, going to camp, leading troops, and as an employee for Guiding Star Council. She achieved her childhood dream 3 times of going to “Our Chalet”, the Girl Scout center in Switzerland. She believed that girls could do all things.
Preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Norman and Donald and husband Richard.
She is survived by son David, and daughter in law Maureen (Rochester, NY), daughter Jane, Princeton, MN, and granddaughter Jennifer Marie, Plattsburgh, NY and hundreds of girls who were and who are Girl Scouts.
In lieu of flowers, donation to local food shelf, Nebraska Wesleyan University or Spirit of Nebraska Girl Scout Council. Services at a later date.