Carolyn “Jean” O’Dell, 80 of Malvern, IA entered into rest on Jan. 30, 2015 in Council Bluffs, IA. She was born April 23, 1934 to Boe & Hazel (Clark) Houser in Council Bluffs, IA. Jean was raised in Malvern. She was united in marriage to Allen O’Dell on April 8, 1952 in Malvern. To this union four daughters were born, Kathy, Karen, Sheri and Terri.
Jean was employed as an administrative assistant for Blackman and Associates as well as the Malvern School District for many years. She enjoyed working and staying active. Jean loved her dogs, baking, was an avid reader and had a lot of musical talent. She and Allen enjoyed their home on the Lake of the Ozarks where they spent time fishing and entertaining family and friends. Her greatest joy was cooking delicious food and gathering around the table with her family. She was an optimistic and no nonsense kind of woman with a very bright spirit who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Preceding Jean in passing were her parents, husband, two grandchildren, Nicholas Bowen and Brittni Magwire and sister, Marilyn Houser. Survivors include her children, Kathy and husband Tracy Ryan of Malvern, IA; Karen and husband Ron Fanto of Malvern, IA; Sheri and husband Doug Bowen of Malvern, IA; Terri and husband Mark Magwire of Lincoln, NE; 7 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brothers, Carrol Houser of Greenwich Village, CT; Don and wife Florence Houser of Glenwood, IA; sister, Janet and husband Jerry “Butch” Hites of Spokane, WA; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.
Memorials may be made to the Malvern Public Library.
Visitation:Saturday, January 31, 2015
1:00 PM
,
Service:Monday, February 2, 2015
4:00 PM
315 Main Street
Malvern, IA51551
12 Condolences
Sheri and family;
My heart goes out to at this difficult time. I remember all the times I played at your house(s) when I was young and how very sweet your Mother was to me. I will remember her with love.
To the Odell family, please accept my thoughts and prayers in your loos of Jean. I know she helped many people in her life, always with a smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed by many.
Our prayers are with Jean’s family at this time. May God bless you all.
Sorry for your loss.Thinking about all of you.Remember stories Karen shared through the years.
Jean was a very special person and was so important in building the Touche Ross office in Omaha.
She was always positive, thoughtful, smart and just made everything work better.
Also knew how much she loved Malvern and supported the community.
Also always enjoyed our roots together in Mills County.
John and Jan Connor
Lakewood Ranch, FL
Thinking of you all at this time. God bless and comfort you.
MK
Kathy and family,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all.
To the O’Dell family..my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Every time I have seen you girls over the years, I have thoughts of your mom and the time she spent in Rainbow with all of us as young girls. She was always so kind and had a wonderful smile… a lovely lady.
Kathy, Karen, Shari and Terri; I have so many fond memories from Rainbow and slumber parties at your house, your Mom was a joy and a blessing
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Very fond memories spent with O’Dell’s in rainbow. Jean always had such a good spirit, loved her smile and great wisdom.
Kathy, Karen, Sheri, Terri and all,
Please accept my sincere sympathy at the loss of your mom. She and Josie were the glue that held Malvern High School together during the 70’s. Classy Lady!
Kathy, Karen, Sheri, Terri,& families. I was so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. I have so many memories of time spent at your house and camping with you. Joleen and I both loved those times so much. Your Mom always had a cheery word and a good meal for all of us at parties. She will truly be missed and thought of often. Sorry I couldn’t make the service, we had 10 inches of snow here. You are all in our prayers.
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