We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Ruth Ellen (Anderson) O’Dell on March 11, 2023.

She was born May 12, 1951 in Detroit, MI to Merle and Betty Anderson. Ruth grew up in Redford Township and graduated from Thurston High School in 1969. She attended Michigan State University, where she studied Early Childhood Education. She married Dennis O’Dell on July 10, 1971 in Livonia, MI. She retired from the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System after decades of service.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis O’Dell, of Chelsea, MI; her daughters, Jenefer O’Dell and Becky (Bruce) Korn; beloved grandchildren and great-grandchild, Jaden and Delaney O’Dell and Jamie, Benjamin, Madelyn and Mason Korn; a special girl, Maeve Rosalee, that made her a GiGi; and many siblings, nieces, and nephews. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Ruth was proud of her family, especially her grandchildren, and if you talked with her, you would probably hear stories about them and their many accomplishments. Her grandchildren will remember her as fierce, adventurous, generous, imaginative, thoughtful, and vibrant. They loved her as much as she loved them. Ruth created special memories with each of her grandchildren including craft projects, girl’s trips to Chicago and the theater, Christmas cookie parties, fishing contests and elaborate trips to celebrate their 13th birthdays. Ruth loved her home, gardens, Alpena, reading, and travel. She loved a good beer while watching her beloved Spartans, on the golf course, the bowling alley, on a neighbor’s backyard patio in Pine Ridge, on a boat cruising Long Lake, at a local brewery, or during a fiercely competitive game of Scrabble at her kitchen table.

Our mom was a true matriarch of the family, keeping us all together to celebrate holidays and special occasions, passing down family traditions, and creating new ones like family cooking contests on the day after Christmas, Easter Sunday, family Wiffle Ball games, and annual family gatherings at our cottage. Her generous spirit and love kept us all grounded in the importance of family and taking care of those we love.

A celebration of life is being planned for May 7, 2023 at Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea, MI. Details to follow.