Carolyn O'Dell

Carolyn O’Dell, age 73, of Greeley, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at Guest Home Estates in Garnett, Kansas. Carolyn Geraldine Gilner was born on January 7, 1943 in Hackensack, New Jersey. She was the fourth of nine children born to James P. and Beatrice T. (Lickteig) Gilner. Her family moved to Greeley, Kansas in 1947, where she attended St. John’s Catholic School in Greeley, and later graduated from Greeley High School in 1960. Carolyn worked for several years at Hallmark Cards in Lawrence. In October of 1968, she moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to find work. She was united in marriage to James W. O’Dell on May 21, 1975 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After working several jobs, she landed a job with M. Brennan and Sons Wholesale, where she worked for 22 years, from 1972 to 1994. Carolyn and Jim then owned and operated concessions stands in Bingo Halls in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In 2000 Carolyn and Jim returned to Kansas. Carolyn then began working in the clubhouse at the Osawatomie Golf Course. She joined the American Legion Auxiliary Post 1001 in 1975 while living in Pennsylvania, where she was a life member. She served in all positions, including President, and served as Chaplin for 10 years for the unit and Chaplin for Tri County for 4 years. She also served as the president of the Greeley Alumni Association for several years. Carolyn enjoyed Bingo and going to the casinos and her flowers, but her greatest joy was her family, especially her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Carolyn was also preceded in death by her husband, Jim on February 29, 2012; her parents, Jim and Bea Gilner; brother, Bernie Gilner in 2010; and brother-in-law, Floyd E. Jasper in 1997. She is survived by three sisters, Betty Wellman and husband Ron of Meriden, Kansas; Mary Katherine “Kakie” Honn and husband Ron of Mound City, Kansas; Terry Jasper of Garnett, Kansas; four brothers, Frank “Archie” Gilner and wife Joyce of New Hampton, New York; Bob Gilner and wife Jeannette of Overland Park, Kansas; Andy Gilner and wife Margie of Tonganoxie, Kansas; and Jimmie Gilner and wife Cathy of Garnett, Kansas; step-daughter, Melody O’Dell of Garnett, Kansas; many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 9, 2017, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greeley, Kansas. Burial will follow in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Greeley, Kansas. The family will greet friends following a Rosary at 6:30 PM, Sunday evening at St. John’s Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church or St. Rose School. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .