Marian Acton

Marian Arlene (Cross) Acton, of Trenton, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, at Linden Court in North Platte, Nebraska. She moved to North Platte in September of 2021 to reside at the Linden Estate Assisted Living Facility, where she lived until she fell ill.

Marian was born to Glen R. and Edna (Marquart) Cross on June 24, 1935 in Trenton, Nebraska during the Great Flood. Marian's mother passed away on August 16, 1935 due to complications from childbirth. At that time, she went to live with her Grandma Marquart until the age of five, and her older sister, Bernice went to live with their Grandma Cross. She would later move to the Bartley area to live with her father and his wife, Aunt Dollie (Marquart). Her siblings Richard, Joyce, and Joanne would be born to this family. Her older sister, Bernice, came to live with them upon their grandparent’s death. Marian graduated from Bartley High School in 1953 and moved to McCook after graduating. While there, she worked at several local stores and later at the Red Willow County Treasurer’s office.

On November 24, 1956, she married John R. Acton in the Wauneta Methodist Church. They resided in Wauneta for a short time and then moved to Trenton. During this time, their three children were born: Jerry, Pam, and Loran. She was a stay-at-home mom, raised a family, was a loving wife, and helped John take care of the books at his gas station.

In 1966, the Hitchcock County Treasurer's Office asked her to help part-time, which later turned into a full-time job with 40+ years of service. She would later become the Deputy County Treasurer. She retired in her 70s, which gave her and John time to travel to see the kids and grandkids. Of course, they always had time to go on summer vacations to see family.

Marian was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the Nebraska Cornhuskers. She supported them all her life, regardless of season or sport. She always listened to the radio, watched them on TV, or did both at the same time. She and John also attended several Nebraska Football games together.

Marian and John also enjoyed following the local sports teams, even after their three kids were done participating. She had her own "reserved" spot at every home football game and excellent pregame popcorn delivery via her grandson.

If you grew up around Marian, you knew that she always had an extra hug or a kind word of encouragement. She was known as 'Mom' to several of her kids' friends, a title she was very proud of. She also enjoyed the kindness and love she received from the community kids she watched grow up and was known to many as 'Grandma.'

Marian is survived by son, Jerald Acton and wife, Kristy of North Platte, NE; daughter, Pamela Hagaman and husband, Gale of Bennet, NE; and son, Loran Acton and wife, Susan of Concord, CA; sister, Joanne Banzhaf and husband, Delba of Eustis, NE; brother-in-law, Patrick Kennedy of The Villages, FL; grandchildren: Katie and Joshua Mertlik of Lincoln, NE, Kyle Hagaman of Bellingham, WA, Nathaniel and Katie Acton of York, NE, Courtney Acton of Lincoln, NE, McKenzie Acton of Concord, CA, and Lucas Acton of Phoenix, AZ; great-grandchildren Haylee and Brody Mertlik of Lincoln, NE; also by several nieces, nephews, cousins, honorary family members, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, John; her parents, Glen and Edna Cross; step-mother, Dollie Cross; sister, Bernice (Harvey) Gosnell; brother-in-law, Lyle Harvey; brother-in-law, Charley Gosnell; brother, Richard Cross; sister, Joyce Kennedy; brother-in-law, Ron Acton; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Acton.

Marian never met a stranger, she liked conversation whether she knew you or not.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Marian’s family will greet friends from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Trenton Methodist Church in Trenton, Nebraska with Rev. Alisa Parde officiating. Burial in the Trenton Cemetery will follow services.

Memorials in Marian’s name are suggested to the Trenton Methodist Church or to the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.