Monna Jean O’Dell, 80, of Midland, formerly of Coleman and Curtis, MI, died Thursday, May 26, 2022 at MyMichigan Medical Center, Midland, surrounded by her children. She was born on July 29, 1941 in Saginaw, the daughter of the late Arden & Evelyn (Whitmore) Searight. Monna Jean Searight married James P. O’Dell on September 12, 1959. He preceded her in death on March 29, 2012.
Survivors include her children, Sheila (Tom) Zajbel of Bowersville, OH and Chad (Melissa) O’Dell of Midland; grandchildren: Kayla (CJ) Burnett, Kelsey (Chase) Hensley, Kalley Schulz, Avian O’Dell, Alexander O’Dell; great-grandchild Cole Burnett; sisters-in-law Sharon Searight and Connie Scott, and many nieces and nephews. Monna Jean was also preceded in death by her brother Earl Wayne Searight.
Monna loved her grandchildren deeply and found joy in spending everyday moments with them. Some of her favorite times included boating and tubing at the lake up north, taking them to movies, attending their school events, and playing Euchre and Yahtzee. She could often be found cuddling on the couch and watching Battle Bots or train videos with her grandsons, or enjoying dinners with her family. She always took the time to visit with her family and friends and tell them how much she loved them.
She loved her best friend, Barb Morley, and enjoyed many fun road trips and excursions with her throughout their treasured friendship of 50 years.
Monna had a keen eye for spotting gifts to give to those she cared for, and was a generous gift-giver.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Midland Evangelical Free Church, 7221 North Jefferson Avenue, Midland, with Pastor Gib Giblin officiating. A luncheon will follow. Friends may call at O’Laughlin Funeral Home, 215 W. Adams St., Coleman, from 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 1, or at the church on Thursday starting at 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Survivors include her children, Sheila (Tom) Zajbel of Bowersville, OH and Chad (Melissa) O’Dell of Midland; grandchildren: Kayla (CJ) Burnett, Kelsey (Chase) Hensley, Kalley Schulz, Avian O’Dell, Alexander O’Dell; great-grandchild Cole Burnett; sisters-in-law Sharon Searight and Connie Scott, and many nieces and nephews. Monna Jean was also preceded in death by her brother Earl Wayne Searight.
Monna loved her grandchildren deeply and found joy in spending everyday moments with them. Some of her favorite times included boating and tubing at the lake up north, taking them to movies, attending their school events, and playing Euchre and Yahtzee. She could often be found cuddling on the couch and watching Battle Bots or train videos with her grandsons, or enjoying dinners with her family. She always took the time to visit with her family and friends and tell them how much she loved them.
She loved her best friend, Barb Morley, and enjoyed many fun road trips and excursions with her throughout their treasured friendship of 50 years.
Monna had a keen eye for spotting gifts to give to those she cared for, and was a generous gift-giver.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Midland Evangelical Free Church, 7221 North Jefferson Avenue, Midland, with Pastor Gib Giblin officiating. A luncheon will follow. Friends may call at O’Laughlin Funeral Home, 215 W. Adams St., Coleman, from 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 1, or at the church on Thursday starting at 10:00 AM until the time of service.