Cheryl Anne Ward

Cheryl was born on June 24, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Leslie and Blanche (Barnett) Elbe. She was their only child, and her doting parents were overjoyed by her arrival, affectionately calling her “The Queen” as they worked hard to give her every opportunity. In 1950, the family moved from Kirkwood, Missouri, to Kansas City, where Cheryl later graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1955.

Following high school, Cheryl attended Christian College (now Columbia College) in Columbia, Missouri. She graduated in 1957 with a degree in Fine Arts, reflecting her lifelong appreciation for creativity and learning.

On December 1, 1958, Cheryl married Allen O’Dell. Over the next twenty years, they built a life together and raised their family. Like many women of her generation, Cheryl devoted herself fully to her role as a mother and homemaker.

As her children grew older, Cheryl began a part-time position with the Winding River Girl Scout Council (now the Mid-Continent Girl Scout Council). What began as part-time work evolved into a fulfilling, full-time career. Cheryl ultimately retired after 35 years of dedicated service. While working, she also pursued further education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1978.

In 1983, Cheryl found love again and married Clark Ward. Together, they spent over 30 years restoring and perfecting their dream home on historic Janssen Place in Kansas City. The couple also shared a deep passion for travel, embracing every opportunity to explore the world together.

Cheryl cultivated strong and lasting friendships across the globe. Some of her most cherished experiences came from traveling, learning, and sharing adventures with friends.

Cheryl is survived by her children, Patrick (Jacquelyn) O’Dell of Tebbetts, Missouri, and Carrie O’Dell (Jeff Boyle) of Plymouth, Michigan. She was a proud grandmother to Nicholas (Jennifer) O’Dell of Garden City, Michigan; Kevin O’Dell of Columbia, Missouri; Matthew (Mary) Penland of Liberty, Texas; and Megan O’Dell of Des Moines, Iowa. She is also survived by five great-granddaughters.

In accordance with Cheryl’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. She wished instead that her friends and loved ones celebrate her life in their own meaningful ways.