Janell Avon O'Dell

Janell Avon O'Dell February 4, 1936 - September 11, 2025

Janell Avon O'Dell, age 89, a 52-year resident of Middlebury, IN and for the past three years of New Palestine, IN, passed away on September 11, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer Nisen and Rose Jeanice Krysko, her brother Don Heiska, her husband of 65 years Gary O'Dell and their daughter Erin O'Dell Peoples.

Janell is survived by her brothers, Gary (Annabelle) Nisen and Nick Krysko, both of Elkhart. Her sons, Scot O’Dell of Indianapolis, and Cory (Becky) O’Dell of New Palestine, IN, along with her Eight Grandchildren, Aimee (Mike) Olson, Jason Grooms, Tessa (Dale Holloway) Shidler, Ashli (Frank) Bartow, Daniel (Courtney) O’Dell, Samuel O’Dell, Joseph O’Dell and James O’Dell. Janell was blessed with over a dozen Great-Grandchildren.

Janell was born in Duluth, MN and lived in Minnesota and Colorado before moving to Indiana. Janell graduated from Jefferson High School and the following year married Gary O'Dell on April 23,1955 in Bristol, Indiana.

Janell and Gary moved to California while Gary served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Returning to the Midwest and residing in Elkhart, IN, Edwardsburg, MI and eventually Middlebury, IN in 1970. She worked several jobs during her lifetime before retiring from the First State Bank of Middlebury.

Janell was a woman of Faith who loved the Lord. She loved her family and served her church in many ways. She was a community volunteer; she liked to read and play Bridge and spent many of her later years traveling with her husband Gary.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 1 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Middlebury, with visitation starting at 11 am. Officiating will be Pastor David Eaton. Burial will follow at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Middlebury.

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com