The Richmond News, Aug. 9, 2024

Emma “Darlene” O’Dell, 81, of Richmond passed away Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Darlene was born Aug. 11, 1942, in rural Norborne, the daughter of Oscar “Bus” and Hazel (Fisher) Michaels.

She was united in marriage to Donald G. O’Dell of rural Hardin Darlene O’Dell

on April 9, 1966. He survives at home.

Additional survivors include two children, Patricia “Patty” Lam of Hardin and Kenneth “Odie” (Ann) O’Dell of Hardin; three grandchildren, Brandon (Alicia) Lam, Emilee (Kyle) Lam-Stevens and Josh O’Dell; seven great-grandchildren, Paisley Lam, Dakota Lam, Baby Girl Lam (arriving in September), Lynnlee Stevens, Barrett Stevens, Laynee Stevens and Livvy Stevens; a sister, Ruby Seek of Norborne; and two sisters-in-law, Francis Gill and MaryAnn Michaels. Many cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bob Michaels; and sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Michaels.

Darlene was born and raised in the Norborne area, where she received her education and graduated from Norborne High School.

She worked as a secretary for the Norborne Democrat, contributing to the paper by writing columns and doing typesetting. However, most of her life was devoted to being a farmer’s wife, and she embraced the many duties that came with rural living.

Darlene served countless lunches to the men working in the fields, helped move equipment, tended a large garden, mowed the yard, and raised chickens and livestock.

Her love for her family, especially her grandchildren, was evident in everything she did. Darlene’s hobbies included crafting, making flower arrangements and watching Western movies with her husband. She enjoyed good old classic country music, traveling, and having ice cream and pizza parties with her grandkids.

Darlene was of the Baptist faith. She was a lifelong member of the Norborne Baptist Church, and more recently, attended the North New Garden Primitive Baptist Church with her husband.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the North New Garden Baptist Church or the Ray County Humane Society. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m., followed by the services at 2:30. Interment was to be in Wakanda Cemetery, north of Hardin.

Please share your memories of Darlene with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.