Emma "Darlene" O'Dell, 81, of Richmond, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Darlene was born on August 11, 1942, in rural Norborne, the daughter of Oscar "Bus" and Hazel (Fisher) Michaels.  She was united in marriage to Donald G. O'Dell of rural Hardin on April 9, 1966; he survives the home.

Additional survivors include two children: Patricia "Patty" Lam of Hardin and Kenneth "Odie" (Ann) O'Dell of Hardin; three grandchildren: Brandon (Alicia) Lam, Emilee (Kyle) Lam-Stevens, Josh O'Dell; seven great grandchildren: Paisley Lam, Dakota Lam, Baby Girl Lam (arriving in September), Lynnlee Stevens, Barrett Stevens, Laynee Stevens and Livvy Stevens; sister, Ruby Seek of Norborne; two sisters-in-law Francis Gill and MaryAnn Michaels; many cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.  She was preceded by her parents, brother, Bob Michaels and sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Michaels.

Darlene was born and raised in the Norborne area, where she received her education and graduated from Norborne High School. She worked as a secretary for the Norborne Democrat, contributing to the paper by writing columns and doing typesetting. However, most of her life was devoted to being a farmer's wife, where she embraced the many duties that came with rural living. Darlene served countless lunches to the men working in the fields, helped move equipment, tended a large garden, mowed the yard, and raised chickens and livestock.  Her love for her family, especially her grandchildren, was evident in everything she did. Darlene's hobbies included crafting, making flower arrangements, and watching western movies with her husband. She enjoyed good old country classic music, traveling, and having ice cream and pizza parties with her grandkids.  Darlene was of the Baptist faith. She was a lifelong member of the Norborne Baptist Church and, more recently, attended the North New Garden Primitive Baptist Church with her husband.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either North New Garden Baptist Church or the Ray County Humane Society.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m., with services to follow at 2:30 p.m.  Interment will be in Wakanda Cemetery, North of Hardin.

Please remember to share your memories of Darlene with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.