Joanne O'Dell, 89, of Richmond, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City.

Joanne was born on September 22, 1934, in Richmond, the daughter of James "Grover" and Leotta "Marie" (Shaw) Swafford.  She was united in marriage to Vernon O'Dell of Rayville on October 17, 1952, to this union four children were born.

Survivors include her four children: Harlene (Larry) Bowman of Richmond; Barbara Hardwick of Richmond, Jim (Vicki) O'Dell of Neosho and Diane (Eddie) Camp of Richmond.

11 grandchildren: Chad Bowman, Jeff Bowman, Brian (Danielle) Bowman, Stacy (Craig) Henry, Stephanie Bryant, Jamie Johnson, Angelia (Beau) Middleton, Amy (Micheal) Compton, Kevin (Elizabeth) Camp, Aaron Camp and David Camp.

27 great grandchildren: Noah (Mellani) Bowman, Chloe Bowman, Kalel Bowman, Tatum (Cody) Bowman, Peyton Bowman, Karsyn Bowman, Abe Arthur, Eli Bowman, Cody (Heather) Henry, Cady Henry, Micheal Dorton, Haley Hampton, Grace Johnson, Brodie Leach, Sadee Leach, Finley Leach, Addy Hart, Max Compton, Lily Compton, Nicole Camp, Dustin Camp, Caleb Camp, Aiden Camp, Brecklyn Camp, Corbin Camp, Cooper Camp and Carolina Camp,

10 great-great grandchildren: Navy June Morrissey, Faith Bivines, Labella Bivines, L.A. Bivines, Nassiah Bivines, Addie Boyce, Lillian Barron, Kayson Barron, Paisley Hooser and Eli Camp.

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family & friends, also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Charles Swafford, Ed Lee Swafford, sister, Marilyn Sue Roney and son-in-law, Jimmie Wayne "Peepers" Hardwick.

Joanne was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from Lawson High School as Salutatorian of her class in 1952.  In addition to being a homemaker and farmer's wife, Joanne worked outside the home for Lake City Arsenal, Whitaker Cable in Lexington, and for over 30 years in customer service at Ray-Carroll Coop in Richmond, retiring in 1996.

As a woman of faith, Joanne was a member of the Richmond Christian Union Church. Her love for Jesus was evident in the way she lived her life, embodying kindness, compassion, and a genuine concern for others. Family meant the world to Joanne, and she spoke of them with a twinkle in her eye and warmth in her heart. Her love for family was immeasurable, and she found immense joy in being with them and they all felt absolutely loved by her.  Joanne was an avid reader and she enjoyed sewing, embroidery, and cross-stitching.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to either the Richmond Christian Union Church or Ray County Library.  They may be mailed or dropped off at the business office for Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street, P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. with services to follow at 2:00 p.m.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Please remember to share your memories of Joanne with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.