Beverly Joan (Jones) O’Dell was born on December 1, 1933, in Rose Hill, Illinois, the only child to Jean “Gene” and Mildred (Laws) Jones. She departed this life peacefully on August 5, 2024, in Wildwood, Missouri, at the age of 90.
Beverly was a beloved and devoted wife and an incredibly dedicated, generous and loving daughter, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a cherished niece, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, cousin-in-law and friend. Beverly was known also as “Joan” and “Bev”. Beverly, whose parents were schoolteachers, grew up in Willow Hill, Illinois and had a happy childhood surrounded by her mother, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Sadly, she experienced the unexpected loss of her father when she was just two years of age. Beverly was a student at Willow Hill Grade School and a 1951 graduate of Oblong High School in Oblong, Illinois where she was active in GAA, chorus, student council, cheerleading, Quill and Scroll, served as class officer and was named Queen’s Attendant and Carnival Queen her senior year. It was at Oblong High School that Beverly and Robert Kenyon “Bob” O’Dell met and became high school sweethearts. She often commented that her high school years were some of the best times of her life. After graduation, Beverly attended Utterback Business College in Mattoon, Illinois foregoing a teaching scholarship to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. A 1950 graduate of Oblong High School, Bob attended Eastern Illinois University prior to enlisting in the United States Navy in 1951 and serving in the Korean Conflict.
Beverly and Bob were married on October 18, 1952, in Willow Hill, Illinois at the home of Allie and Emery Cummins, dearest aunt and uncle with whom Beverly and her mother lived after the passing of Beverly’s father. In 1953, Beverly joined her husband in San Diego, California where he was stationed. They returned to Illinois in 1957 and Bob began his career in banking. They resided in Altamont, Robinson and later in Fairfield. They had four children: Gene, Robin, Kenyon and Ann. In 1968, Bob joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as a bank examiner and the family moved to Macon, Missouri. In August 1974, the family relocated to Rolla, Missouri. Bob retired in 1983. In March 1991, Bob passed unexpectedly at the age of 59. Their children, close family members, best friends Fritz and Jean Corbin and many other friends and neighbors were a great source of comfort to Beverly. Beverly remained a resident of Rolla for 49 years until August 2023.
During her years in Rolla, Beverly worked for the United States Government at Fort Leonard Wood Army Base and later at Mark Twain National Forest Service until her retirement in 1996. Many lasting friendships were made during her working years. Beverly thoroughly enjoyed her retirement years giving back to her community and staying active. She volunteered at The Rolla Public Library and for 18 years at Phelps Health. Beverly was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rolla and was involved in United Methodist Women (UMW), overseeing the UMW Layette Ministry in partnership with Phelps County Health Department. She regularly made donations to The Community Partnership. Beverly was very proficient on the computer and maintained the family ancestry. She loved to crochet, knit, read, watch broadcasts of the St. Louis Cardinals games, work puzzles and play Skip-Bo and other card games with her grandchildren and during visits with her cousin in Iowa and cousin-in-law in Illinois. She accompanied her children on several trips. Beverly taught her girls and granddaughters how to make the family recipes for Red Velvet Cake, Cinnamon Apples and Cracked Glass candy which were always requested and enjoyed by family and friends at the holidays and other family gatherings. She loved being outdoors doing yardwork and sitting on her deck swing overlooking her backyard. Knowing the importance of staying physically active, Beverly walked regularly and was a longtime member of The Centre in Rolla. For over 25 years, she attended multiple water exercise classes on a weekly basis, led by instructor Kathy Ball.
Most of all, Beverly loved being with her children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family meant everything to Beverly! She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her four children: Gene (Trish) O’Dell of Wildwood, MO; Robin (Darryl) Brinkmann of Rolla, MO; Kenyon O’Dell of Austin, TX and Ann O’Dell of Creve Coeur, MO; five grandchildren: Eric (Amanda) Brinkmann of Valparaiso, IN; Scott (Anne-Marie) Brinkmann of Eureka, MO; Molly Brinkmann (fiancé Nick Gatto) of St. Louis, MO; Emily (Ramo) Stott of Knoxville, TN and Andrew (Jena) O’Dell of Lubbock, TX; seven great-grandchildren: Connor, Logan, Olivia, Benjamin, Lincoln, Nora-Rose and Layla-Marie; brother-in-law Jack O’Dell and family; nephews
Brad and Ken Beabout and their families; Good, McCallion and Roberts families (cousins); numerous friends and all whose lives she touched.
Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, daughter-in-law Rebecca O’Dell, sister-in-law Earlene Beabout, brother-in-law Larry Beabout and her parents.
Honoring Beverly’s wishes, a private burial is planned. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Oblong Cemetery, 710 East Main Street, Oblong, Illinois under the direction of Pulliam Funeral Home, Oblong, Illinois and in association with Rolla Cremation and Memorial, Rolla, Missouri.
At the request of the family, memorial donations can be made to The Community Partnership in Rolla, Missouri at www.thecommunitypartnership.org.
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