Joanne O’Dell, 89, of Richmond, passed away Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City.

Joanne was born Sept. 22, 1934, in Richmond, the daughter of James “Grover” and Leotta “Marie” (Shaw) Swafford.

She was united in marriage to Vernon O’Dell of Rayville on Oct. 17, 1952. To this union, four children Joanne O’Dell

were born.

Survivors include her four children, Harlene (Larry) Bowman of Richmond, Barbara Hardwick of Richmond, Jim (Vicki) O’Dell of Neosho and Diane (Eddie) Camp of Richmond; and 11 grandchildren, Chad Bowman, Jeff Bowman, Brian (Danielle) Bowman, Stacy (Craig) Henry, Stephanie Bryant, Jamie Johnson, Angelia (Beau) Middleton, Amy (Micheal) Compton, Kevin (Elizabeth) Camp, Aaron Camp and David Camp.

Other survivors include 27 great-grandchildren, Noah (Mellani) Bowman, Chloe Bowman, Kalel Bowman, Tatum (Cody) Bowman, Peyton Bowman, Karsyn Bowman, Abe Arthur, Eli Bowman, Cody (Heather) Henry, Cady Henry, Micheal Dorton, Haley Hampton, Grace Johnson, Brodie Leach, Sadee Leach, Finley Leach, Addy Hart, Max Compton, Lily Compton, Nicole Camp, Dustin Camp, Caleb Camp, Aiden Camp, Brecklyn Camp, Corbin Camp, Cooper Camp and Carolina Camp. Still other survivors include 10 great-great-grandchildren, Navy June Morrissey, Faith Bivines, Labella Bivines, L.A. Bivines, Nassiah Bivines, Addie Boyce, Lillian Barron, Kayson Barron, Paisley Hooser and Eli Camp. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends also survive.

The Richmond News, Jan. 5, 2024

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charles Swafford and Ed Lee Swafford; sister, Marilyn Sue Roney; and son-in-law, Jimmie Wayne “Peepers” Hardwick.

Joanne was raised and educated in the area of her birth, and graduated in 1952 from Lawson High School as salutatorian.

In addition to being a homemaker and farmer’s wife, Joanne worked outside the home for Lake City Arsenal, Whitaker Cable in Lexington and for 30-plus years in customer service at Ray-Carroll Co-Op in Richmond, retiring in 1996.

As a woman of faith, Joanne was a member of the Richmond Christian Union Church. Her love for Jesus was evident in the way she lived her life, embodying kindness, compassion and a genuine concern for others.

Family meant the world to Joanne, and she spoke of them with a twinkle in her eye and warmth in her heart. Her love for family was immeasurable, and she found immense joy in being with them – and they all felt absolutely loved by her.

Joanne was an avid reader, and she enjoyed sewing, embroidery and cross-stitching.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Richmond Christian Union Church or Ray County Library. They may be mailed to or dropped off at the business office for Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.; P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be Sunday, Jan. 7, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Inurnment will be at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.

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