Helena G. O'Dell (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Helena Gloe O’Dell, daughter of Charles and Jennie Adair Potts, was born December 6, 1918, in Huron, Kansas. At the age of nine, she was “adopted” by Cester A. and Grace Church Haynes. She departed this life Wednesday, May 2, 2012, in Christian Health Care North, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-three years, four months, and twenty-six days.
On February 16, 1938, she was united in marriage to Gerald Wayne O’Dell, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born.
She was preceded in death by both sets of parents; her husband, Gerald, on October 3, 2003; a son, Charles Wayne O’Dell; a grandson, Gerald Wayne O’Dell; a son-in-law, Cecil West; a brother, Ted Potts; and a sister, Margaret Boldt.
Gloe is survived by a daughter, Helen West, of Lebanon, Missouri; a son, Gerald Russell O’Dell, and his wife, Roma, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Colleen O’Dell, of Brumley, Missouri; six grandchildren, Carrie Hammer, and her husband, Bob, Scott O’Dell, and his wife, Trudy, Kelly Conn, and her husband, Marty, David O’Dell, all of Lebanon, Missouri, Cynthia Heddle, and her husband, Dick, of Wimauma, Florida, and Emerson O’Dell, of Chilhowee, Missouri; two step-grandchildren, Kenny Nunn, and his wife, Crystal, and James Monnahan, and his wife, Pam, all of Lebanon, Missouri; seven great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born in Kansas, and then moved with her family to Iowa in 1920. After becoming a part of the Haynes family, Gloe graduated from high school in Conway, Iowa, in the Class of 1937. Soon after she and Gerald were married, they made their home on their farm near Lebanon, Missouri, and lovingly raised their children. In addition to being a devoted and hard working homemaker to her husband and family, Gloe also helped in the operation of their crop and beef cattle farm.
She greatly loved being outdoors and enjoyed life on the farm. She also had a love for horses. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed spending time with her many grandchildren.
Gloe was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years.
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