Gaye Odom

Gaye Odom, age 92, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip due to complications of Covid-19.
Gaye was born in Baird, Texas on July 12th, 1928 to Euless and Irvin “Nubbin” Corn. Gaye graduated as valedictorian of Baird High School in 1945, and subsequently received several offers for college scholarships. However, like many women of her generation, she never attended college, but she was known to have an incisive and quick mind until her very last days. Although she always wished she had been able to pursue a college degree, she leaves a living legacy of children and grandchildren who have achieved educational success and thriving professional careers.
Gaye married Tom Odom on May 27th, 1945. They had three children: Tommy Odom Jr, Steve Odom, and Bonnie (Odom) Shaw. In 1957, the Odom family moved from the Texas plains to the South Dakota prairie to begin what would become the center of her life, the family farm and ranch, and the town of Philip, South Dakota. Gaye embraced her new community. In addition to helping manage the family farm and raising her family, she worked for the local sale barn and served as a Haakon County commissioner. It seems as though the patchwork pastures, blowing grasslands, and rolling hills of South Dakota, which for her were home and the place where she raised a family, also exemplify her 92 years on this earth. The abundant springs and summers, and the enigmatic and lingering cold and snow of winter were a part of her and made her who she was, a strong, hard-working, and independent lady.
Gaye was known as an excellent cook, and her fried chicken and mashed potatoes are remembered fondly by all. When she wasn’t busy making large meals to feed an active ranching family and friends, she could be found in her garden. Gaye especially loved tending to her array of various types of tomato plants, which flourished under her care. The abundance produced by her garden was often stored for the long cold winters through her knowledge of canning and preserving foods. As a lover of words and puzzles, she had an affinity for crosswords and did them daily. Gaye attended the United Methodist Church in Philip and enjoyed her daily coffee dates with her friends. She looked forward to family updates, especially regarding her twelve great-grandchildren. To many of this third generation, she was known simply as ‘little grandma’.
Gaye married Harold McDaniel on April 26th, 1995. Harold unfortunately passed away a few years after they married, but she enjoyed a wonderful relationship with his family until her passing.
Gaye had a razor-sharp wit and charmed anyone she met. Friday nights were special in Philip as Gaye and Janie Kennedy would dress up and go to dinner at the Steakhouse, where they enjoyed a cocktail and dinner at their VIP table. Many in the community stopped by their table to chat with these two strong women.
Gaye is survived by her three children: Tommy and Vicki Odom Jr. of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, Steve and Suzee Odom of Baird Texas, and Bonnie and Bill Shaw of Ogden, Utah; her grandchildren and their families: Hayley and Kyle Schneider, Riley and Patty Odom, Foy Odom, Clay and Amy Odom, Molly and Ben Magill, Matt and Carrie Shaw, Wendy Shaw, and Danielle and Maria Whittle-Shaw; her twelve great-grandchildren; her siblings Jack Corn and Roger Corn and their families; and the family of her second husband, Harold McDaniel.
Gaye was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Tom; her second husband Harold; her grandson Foy Odom; and her sister-in-law Barbara Corn.
Due to Covid-19 considerations, a private family graveside service will be held, and a celebration of life service will follow at a later date for family and friends. Details for the celebration of life service will be announced as soon as conditions allow.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to all of those who were so good to Gaye in recent years; Lu Roseth, Cindy Miller, Bill and Diane McDaniel, Sandra Gittings, Sally Jankord, and Helen Pfeifer. The family would also like to thank the Hans P. Peterson Memorial doctors, nurses, and hospital staff that took excellent care of her, especially Dr. Holman.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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