Bette June (Jones) Odell

Bette June Odell, 93, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Monday, October 5, at her

home in Poplar Bluff. Bette was born on February 3, 1927, in Petersburg, IN, 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, CA and was employed with First Security National Bank and a

regional aviation and oil company.

She married Robert (“Bob”) Lewis Odell on January 1, 1952, in Princeton, IN, 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 fifty-five years of marriage, before Bob’s

passing on December 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 50’s, 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, AR, 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 grave-side 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.

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