Bethalto—Ellen Mae (Everts) O'Dell, 91, formerly of Bunker Hill, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Born June 1, 1935 in East Alton, she was a daughter of Roscoe and Mary (Bailey) Everts.

She married Thomas Paul O'Dell June 18, 1955.  They shared 52 years of marriage before he passed away Jan. 15, 2008.

Ellen was employed at different times by Wood River Furniture Mart, Standard Oil in Wood River, the US Census Bureau, and JC Penney.  She managed the club store for the Falcon Club of America for 8 years.  She helped publish the newsletter for the St. Louis Admirals Model Boat Club, and was also a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for 8 years.  She was a lifelong quilter and crafter.  She also enjoyed Bingo, slots and playing Words with Friends with new and old friends across the United States.

Survivors include daughters, Beth Clark of Wood River and Kathy and her husband Chris Duncan of Brighton; her son, Steven (Betty) O'Dell of Carlinville; grandchildren, Jennifer Baugh and her husband Paul of Wood River, Benjamin O'Dell of Carlinville, Rachel Werner and her husband Andy of Wood River, Stephanie Huber and her husband Michael of East Alton, J. Cody Haynes and his wife Kristi of Brighton, Dr. Alyson Brown and her husband Michael of Edwardsville, and Jacob Haynes and his wife Stephanie of Bethalto; 25 great grandchildren; and her very close friend Mary Ruder.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marlene Webb and her son-in-law, Les Clark.

Cremation services entrusted to Paynic Home for Funerals, with an online guestbook available at www.paynicfh.com