Ella Lura Odell

Ella Lura (Sissom) Odell, a lifelong resident of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. Born on March 2, 1933, in Fredonia, Ella lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to her family, community, and faith.

Ella was a proud graduate of Fredonia High School’s Class of 1950. Throughout her life, she embraced various roles with grace and commitment. She worked as a retail clerk for Western Auto and Bunch’s Greenhouse and served as a nurse's aide at Fredonia Hospital. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ella cherished her role as a homemaker and devoted farmer’s wife, always demonstrating strength and care in nurturing her household.

Her commitment to community service was evident through her membership in the VFW Auxiliary, and as a dedicated member of the First Christian Church, where her faith was a guiding principle throughout her life.

Ella married James Harlan Odell, on August 15, 1951, and they were married almost 50 years until his passing May 4, 2001.

Ella is lovingly remembered and survived by her children: James Michael “Mike” Odell, Teresa Ann “Terri” Young, and Rhonda Denise Willard. Her legacy continues through her three grandchildren, James Robert (Rachelle) Willard, Justin Daniel Willard, and Katie Marie (Levi) Patry; five great-grandchildren, James Glade Willard, Sophia Murdene Willard, Ava and Ada Hufford, Logan Edward Patry, Luke Aiden Patry, and Dylan James Patry; and two great-great-grandchildren, Kia William Weaver and Kohen James Willard.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Harlan Odell; her brothers Kent, Keith, Leland, Lester, Don, and Kenneth Sissom; her sisters Sylvia Glover and Mary Sissom; parents, Kent and Katie (Shandrow) Sissom, and sister-in-law Goldie Sissom.

Ella Lura Odell’s life was one of steady dedication to those she loved and to the community she served so faithfully. Her presence will be deeply missed but warmly remembered by all who knew her.

Cremation has taken place, with a private family burial at Bachelder Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial remembrances to the Avenue of Flags or the First Christian Church, may be left or mailed to the funeral home, Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service 510 N. 7th St., Fredonia, Kansas 66736.