Bette Odell

Bette June Odell, 93, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Monday, Oct. 5, at her home in Poplar Bluff.

Bette was born on Feb. 3, 1927, in Petersburg, Indiana, the daughter of Solomon James and Eliza Ellen (Pearson) Jones. After graduating high school, Bette was employed in Washington, D.C., with the Department of Labor in the labor statistics division.

After World War II, she moved to Los Angeles, California, and was employed with First Security National Bank and a regional aviation and oil company.

She married Robert “Bob” Lewis Odell on Jan. 1, 1952, in Princeton, Indiana, while he was on military leave during the Korean conflict. They were stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, before returning to Indiana to raise their family. Bob was employed with the J.C. Penney Company, during which time they were transferred to St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, and New York City.

In 1966, they relocated to Poplar Bluff and purchased Odell’s Cleaners & Laundry (formerly Stanley Cleaners) and Buddy’s Cleaners. Bette managed the front office of the business for many years before they retired.

One of their favorite pastimes was boating with friends and family on Lake Wappapello. Together they shared nearly 55 years of marriage before Bob’s passing on Dec. 10, 2005.

Bette was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Poplar Bluff, where she had served as elder and session member. She was a faithful member of the weekly Bible study group there.

Bette believed it was never too late to go to college, and during her 50s, earned an associate degree in business at Three Rivers College. She was a talented artist and enjoyed painting on porcelain and canvas.

She also was an accomplished bridge player and played frequently with friends. She served as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, Rotary Ann and volunteered for various local nonprofit organizations, including the Poplar Bluff Art Museum and Full Gospel Rescue Mission.

Her greatest passion and joy, however, was spending time with her grandchildren, reading stories, playing whiffle ball and baking when they were young, and sharing time with them often as they became adults.

Survivors include her daughter, Valerie Odell Richardson of Poplar Bluff; and two granddaughters, Amelia “Aly” Richardson of Columbia and Blythe Richardson Smith and husband, Matthew, of Springfield.

She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Lee Zobel of Berryville, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews and her close friend, Jan Harrell Metz of Poplar Bluff.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bette was preceded in death by her twin sons, Daniel Ray and David Jay Odell; a sister, Wanda Marilyn Rogers; and four brothers, H. Elwood Jones, Roy D. Jones, Robert P. Jones and R. Eugene Jones.

A traditional visitation or memorial service will not be held at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a private graveside service, with First Presbyterian Pastor Tim Poletti officiating, Bette will be interred in Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest friends consider memorials to Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland or other organizations serving the community.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Betty J. Odell.