Marilyn Odell

Click Here To View Memorial Video Marilyn June Odell, 73, of Idaho Falls, passed with peace and grace on June 15, 2015, at the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her family at her side. Marilyn was born in 1942 at Eaton Maternity Home in Shelley, Idaho, the only daughter to Glen and June Simpson. She grew up on the family farm in Jameston. It was there she learned a great work ethic as she and her three brothers worked hard. She attended Jameston Elementary, Shelley High School, and later earned her GED from Eastern Idaho Technical College. On October 5, 1959, she married Larry Eugene Russell. They made their home in Shelley, Idaho, and raised five animated and fun-spirited children. Raising her five children was a three-ring circus, starting with an engagement ring, a wedding ring, and then suffering. Their home was a central hub for neighborhood friends and family who always found their way to Marilyn’s delicious baked breads or goodies. Marilyn and Larry later divorced in 2007. Marilyn worked for 34 years as an operator at Basic American Foods, Pillsbury and French’s. She was known as one of the hardest working women around, and was very astute in all her endeavors. She could run any line in the plant, never complained, and did it well. She made others’ jobs easier. She didn’t know how loved and respected she was by everyone. She retired in 2007. On June 29, 2009, she married Gary Arno Odell in Idaho Falls. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple in 2011. Marilyn and Gary made their home in Idaho Falls where she spent six very happy years. Marilyn was a member of the LDS Church and served in the Primary Nursery, as a Visiting Teacher, and in the Relief Society. She was a Master Gardener and grew a mean vegetable garden, which fed the entire family and all the neighbor kids. She loved all flowers and said, “they feed the soul.” She was known as a wonderful caregiver, lovingly caring for her mother for ten years until her death. She was adventurous and loved traveling, especially to beautiful lake and mountain areas. Marilyn had a great sense of humor. She was feisty and a bit of a rebel, and giggled when she thought she was being a little naughty. She was curious about how things worked and how they were put together, which made her very self-reliant; she could fix just about anything. Marilyn also enjoyed golfing, fishing, bird watching, reading, gardening, cooking, sewing, crafting, and painting. She loved spending time with family and friends, and she loved her dogs, Sadie and Sophie. She was a wonderful wife, loving mother, and a fun grandmother. She was a kind, gentle soul, and she will truly be missed. Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Gary Odell of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Grayson (Diana) Russell of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Laurie (David) Christensen of Firth, ID; daughter, Rhonda (Mike) Creech of Perris, CA; son, David (Dana) Russell of Ammon, ID; daughter, Angie (David) Berggren of Firth, ID; daughter, Heather Baler of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Thayne (Tammy) Odell of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Eric (Holly) Odell of Ririe, ID; brother, Harold Simpson of Jameston, ID; brother, Gene (Shannon) Simpson of Rigby, ID; 26 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ray Simpson; and a great grandson, Gabriel Manuel Nunez. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2015, at the Idaho Falls LDS 39th Ward, 7940 North 35th West, with Bishop Frank Webber officiating. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held

10:00 a.m. ,Friday, June 26, 2015 Idaho Falls LDS 39th Ward 7940 North 35 West Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83402 Notes: Burial in Taylor Cemetery.