Edith Lorene Stephenson Odell, the daughter of Daniel Z Stephenson and Julia (Windomaker) Stephenson was born July 24, 1923 at Belleville, KS and passed away on November 9, 2013 at the Riverview Estates, Marquette, KS at the age of 90 years, 4 months, and 2 days.
Edith received her education in the Belleville Schools and graduated from Belleville High School in May of 1941. On June 1, 1941, she was married to Oscar Bert Odell and four children were born to the union. The Odell's set up housekeeping on his Mother's farm in Union Township and lived there for ten years. In 1951, they bought a farm in Scandia Township and lived there for 10 years. She was a member of the Scandia United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and Bible School for many years at Scandia. She was the Room Improvement Project Leader of Sherdahl Boosters 4H Club, former member of the Mutual Benefit Club, Social Hours Club and Sherdahl H.D.U. at Scandia.
In 1961, the family moved to Belleville. Edith worked at Melton Motor Co. for nine years as a bookkeeper and then worked at Republic County Hospital as a Medicare Clerk and bookkeeper for 19 years, retiring in 1989.
Edith joined the Belleville Methodist Church. She was a charter member of the Naomi Circle, member of UMW and the Women's Bible Study Group, and held offices and served on committees. She was a member of the Starlight Study Club, former member of the Belleville Library, Ye Past Finders, Questers Study Club, Mainspook H.D.U., Eagles Auxiliary and Women of the Moose. Her hobbies were taking pictures, painting with acrylics, reading, and making hot pads.
Oscar and Edith celebrated 60 years of marriage on June 1, 2001.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Oscar on Sept. 17, 2001, sister, Virginia Skinner and Naomi Dow, and one brother, Dan Z. Stephenson.
Edith is survived by her children: Ronald (Phyllis) Odell of Lindsborg, KS,
John (Linda) Odell of Scandia, KS, Janice Odell (Scott) Zwick of Lyons, KS, and
Dan (Jill) Odell of Canyon, Texas; 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, November 15, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, with Pastor Emily Meckley, officiating.
Interment will be at the Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, KS.
Visitation will be from One PM until Nine PM on Wednesday, and from Nine AM until Nine PM on Thursday at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or the Belleville Public Library.
Online condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is in charge of the arrangements.