Shirley K Odebrecht

Shirley Keller Odebrecht, age 83, of Upper Arlington, passed away peacefully with family by her side, Sunday, May 17, 2015. She was born May 12, 1932 in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of the late Laurance D. and Elma (Dulaney) Keller. Shirley was a teacher, writer, and story teller. She loved making school interesting for her kids as both a teacher and substitute teacher. She is survived by her children, Jim (Julie) Odebrecht, Worthington, Virginia Veach, Gahanna, and Laurance “Larry” (Tara) Odebrecht, Stillwater, MN; grandchildren, Jennifer (Kyle) Goebbel, Jeff Odebrecht, Amy Veach, Carol Veach, Jacob Ray, Emma Grace and Abigail Marie Odebrecht; three great grandsons, Austin, Colin and Reece; Nephew Robert (Gloria) Mertie and family friend, Natalie Mertie. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, A. Richard Odebrecht, 2003; sister, Elaine Simons, 2000 and son-in-law, Jesse Veach, 2007. Shirley graduated high school from Stephens College, Columbia, MO and received a Bachelor’s degree in English from Ohio University, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. She retired from the Golden Mustangs as a race car driver. She was a longtime member of First Community Church, where she was a member of Guild Group X and gathered food for the Heart to Heart Food Pantry. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Wesley Glen Retirement Community for their loving care. Friends may call 6-8 pm Wednesday and 10-11:00 am Thursday at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd, where funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, May 21, 2015 with Rev. James M. Long officiating. Interment Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley Odebrecht ‘s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio, 1379 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory with Shirley’s family.

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