Bessie A. O'Dell

Bessie A. O’Dell was born in rural Illinois to Carmen (Adams) and Jesse Welch on July 21, 1926. She left this earthly life on September 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Over the course of her 100 years, she experienced joy and heartache.

Married at 16 in the height of WWII, she was a mom at 17, and a widow at 18 when her husband (Ralph Childress) was killed flying a mission over France. Blessed to find love again, she married Willard O’Dell, who loved and raised her young son as his own. Heading west to follow the oilfield, they added two daughters to their family. Ultimately, they settled in Greeley, where they lived for 27 years, and celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Bessie loved to garden, and canned many of the vegetables from her garden. She enjoyed her roses, and could recite the names of each one. She loved square dancing and country music. She especially enjoyed playing many games of Rummy when she and her 3 sisters could gather, and share stories and laughter. The ultimate Rockies baseball fan, she never missed a televised game, even after she lost her

sight to macular degeneration. Cheering them on, winning or losing, she always knew they’d win the next game!

With a deeply ingrained work ethic, she was resilient and tough. She counted her blessings daily. But with longevity comes loss. She said goodbye to her parents, brothers (John and Robert Welch) and her sisters (Margaret Mills, Ann Welch and Donna Parker), her daughter-in-law (Joan Childress) and her great love, Willard.

She is survived by her son, Gary Childress, daughter Sandra (Gene) Jordan, and daughter Debra O’Dell.

Bessie was proud of her 6 grandchildren, 7 nieces and nephews, 10 great grandchildren, 10 great nieces and nephews, and a brand-new great-great grandson.

At Bessie’s request there will be no formal service. The family will gather at a later time to enjoy some of her favorite recipes, and probably have a rousing game of Rummy.

In lieu of flowers, if you care to leave a remembrance for Bessie, please donate to Weld County United Way Diaper Bank, or the Weld County Food Bank