The Excelsior Standard, Dec. 22, 2023

Jean O’Dell, 90, passed away Dec. 14, 2023, after a long illness.

She was born in Clinton County and graduated from Plattsburg High School.

Jean met her husband, Marion Ray O’Dell, through a mutual friend and the rest is history. Two children were born to that union, Jean Ann and Jerry (and Danelle), followed by nine grandchildren, 24 greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, with yet another on the way.

Jean never knew a stranger. She brought people home with her for holidays and volunteered at nursing homes and church. She often said our relationships with God and other people were the most important. Her family was important to her, and it was said the air at her house was “different” because it was full of love and acceptance. She will be terribly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Beulah and Willie Baker; brothers, Aldon and W.A.; and two sisters, Rachel and Martha.

She is survived by her sister, Alice. Visitation was held 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, followed by the service, at Barbee Church, Excelsior Springs. Burial was at Hillcrest Cemetery.

The family has asked, in lieu of flowers, for donations to the Excelsior Springs Museum or Barbee Church.