Shirley Ann O'Dell

Shirley O'Dell of Great Falls passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the age of 81 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls. Shirley was born in Lewistown to George and Elizabeth Vogl on November 18, 1936. She grew up on her parents' cattle and wheat ranch in Heath, MT with 3 brothers and 2 sisters, where she enjoyed riding her horse Blackie and snitching fresh baked bread from her mother's kitchen. Shirley attended the rural Heath grade school and St. Leo's Catholic High School in Lewistown. After graduation she earned her nursing degree and proudly became a registered nurse. It was at work one day where she met her husband Jack O'Dell, who had fallen off a train while working for the railroad and ended up a patient of Shirley's. They were married on Nov 2, 1957. They raised their family in Great Falls, where Shirley worked as a nurse for various doctors, Deaconess Hospital, and The American Red Cross. Shirley was instrumental in starting up the apheresis program for Red Cross in Montana, prior to her retirement. They enjoyed playing cards with friends, backyard BBQ's, and spending time with their grandchildren at the cabin in Lincoln, MT. Shirley is survived by her three sons, Douglas, Brian, and Russell; nine grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years. Her greatest treasures were her family and her faith. The vigil and rosary will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The funeral liturgy will be Friday, May 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. also at Holy Spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Peace Hospice of Montana.