Gloria Jean Odens

On July 13, 2018, the Lord Jesus mercifully received Gloria Jean Odens, age 74, into His Presence. She suffers from her chronic renal disease no more, and, more fully alive than ever, looks into the face of the Savior she loves so much. Gloria was born in Joliet, IL, to Richard and Carmen Stevens. She graduated from West High School in Rockford, IL, in 1961. She attended Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, MN, where she met the love of her life, Donald Odens, and married him on July 24, 1965. She graduated from Pillsbury College in 1966. Gloria spent her life supporting her husband in his pastoral ministry in every way she could. This included serving in the nursery, teaching Sunday School and children’s church, singing in the choir, mentoring college age and young married women, teaching English as a second language, organizing ladies’ ministry events, volunteering at the local crisis pregnancy center, hosting countless meals in her home, and bringing meals to those in need. She lovingly, creatively reared her four children and delighted in her four grandchildren. She loved animals, flowers, and beauty of every kind. She loved to sing, and she loved to laugh. She loved life, and she loved people – especially her family. She loved her Savior most of all. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Carmen, and by her sister, Carol Miller. She is survived by her husband, Don, of 53 years; son Nathan (Bridget) Odens; daughters Melissa Odens, Marcie (Jeff) Odens Peck, and Michelle (Dan) Lenz; grandchildren Riley and Sophie Peck and Jasmine and Aleia Lenz; her sisters, Ruth Ann Elms, Sylvia (Cy) Stanfa, and Barb (Peter) Giolitto; and her brother, Jerry Stevens. Her family will receive visitors from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at Washburn McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel, 7625 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN, and from 10-11 AM on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Fourth Baptist Church, 900 Forestview Lane North, Plymouth, MN, 55441. Her funeral is scheduled for 11 AM on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Fourth Baptist Church, with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens (5125 West Broadway Ave., Crystal, MN) following the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gloria’s name to Metro Women’s Center, 6418 Bass Lake Road, Crystal, MN 55428.

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Gloria Jean Odens

July 13, 2018

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