Betty Lou O'Dell's Obituary
Betty Lou O'Dell, 96, of Winchester, VA, went to be with the Lord on November 22, 2025 in her home surrounded by her children. She was born on May 2, 1929 in Sandwich, Illinois to the late Mina Lawhorn. Betty experienced the devastating loss of her mother at age 17 . Through the love, nurture, and witness of a Christian family, she found a home, gave her life to Christ, and met Merlin T. O'Dell. They were married on December 18, 1948 at the Church of the Nazarene in Decatur, Illinois. She and Merlin were married 75 years until his death in 2023. Also preceding her in death were her brother, Emerson Lawhorn; and her sister, Ardith Horve.
At 16, Betty began working at US Manufacturing Corp. in Decatur, IL., alongside her mother on a production line. After moving to Winchester,VA., she again sought employment to supplement her children's education. She was employed by National Fruit Processing in a supervisory position. While working there she also turned her ceramics hobby into a small business, holding weekly Friday night sessions for her customers who enjoyed fun, laughter, and socializing, as they finished projects.
Betty enjoyed shopping, a vast array of crafts, cooking, bowling, family gatherings and traveling. She and Merlin traveled in their motor home with family members; including her sister, Ardith and husband, Wilbert. Their RV adventures took them to every US state, and the Canadian provinces. Other travels included Caribbean and Alaskan cruises; in addition to, touring the Hawaiian Islands and Europe.
She will be dearly missed by her children: Bonnie Hudson (Donald) of Winchester, VA; Sheilah Kotulski (Joseph) of Albuquerque, NM; and John O'Dell (Kimberly) of Thomson, GA. Betty was a loving grandmother to Matthew Hudson (Ashley), Jillian Kotulski, Erin Lockhart (Bryan), and Joshua Kotulski. She also had the joy of being Great Grandma to Ethan and Owen Hudson; Emory, Asher, Maxwell, and Harlow Lockhart.
Services will be held in Decatur, IL at Graceland-Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery on December 3, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 followed by the memorial service at 11:00. A graveside service will precede interment.
In her later years , Betty was diagnosed with dementia, which proved to be challenging for her and her children as they navigated the ever changing progression of the disease. We will be forever grateful to the Blue Ridge Care (Hospice) team who provided compassionate, end of life care and support for her and our family. In memory of Betty, donations may be made online to Blue Ridge Care in Winchester, VA.
Click the following link to view the service live https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/betty-lou-odell.
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