Jo Ann O'Dell, 88, of Richmond, passed away, December 9, 2022, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Jo Ann was born on January 19, 1934, the daughter of James Madison and Grace Ruth (Brown) Liles. She was united in marriage to Roy Lee O’Dell of Richmond on October 5, 1959; he preceded her in death on March 9, 1996. Survivors include: four daughters, Linda L. Wills of Bryan, Tx, Carolyn S. (David) Schneider of Gridley, Ks, Mary J. Pearson of Richmond, and Ruth E. (Dave) Janssen of Eldon, Mo; thirteen grandchildren, Beth (Rodney) Walker, Autumn Wills, Travis Jacobs, Matt (Kristi) Jacobs, Chris (Marie) Schneider, Evan (Mariah William) Schneider, Samantha Doss, Lora Forster, Ashley Pearson, Fletcher O’Dell, Joshua O’Dell, Patrick Ryan, and Johnathon (Bethany) Janssen; twenty nine great grandchildren; and 17 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Vivian Karl, and Donna (Lucille) Wicker and 18 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, James “Jimmy” F. O’Dell; grandson in law, Rodney Walker; two great grandchildren; siblings, Ellen L. Young, Geraldine Fitch, Mary White, Charles Liles, Harry Liles, and Judith Harris and nephew Harry Eugene Liles (Jr); Marvin Karl and Jimmie Wasmer. 

Jo Ann was reared and educated in the area of her birth; she was a 1952 graduate of Richmond High School. After high school she worked as a secretary for an insurance agency in Kansas City. After her marriage to Roy, they traveled all over the United States and Germany before returning to their hometown after his retirement.  She also worked for Ferguson Manufacturing, an apple orchard, and Ray County Memorial Hospital as a Dietitian. She faithfully served as a volunteer with the senior center in Richmond, The Salvation Army, The God Squad, Head Start, and as a crossing guard. While her husband served his country, she played in the women’s military softball league. She loved working jig saw puzzles, puzzle books, singing with her family at family gatherings, and Saturday night jamborees. She also faithfully took care of her mother for a few years and helped raise her nephew, Junior Liles. She loved all her friends and family, but the most precious to her were her five children.  

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Jo Ann O’Dell Memorial Fund. Memorials can always be dropped off or mailed, in care of the family, to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main - P. O. Box 190, Richmond, 64085. Visitation with funeral services will be held at Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. with services to follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens Cemetery. Please remember to share your memories of Jo Ann with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com