Obituary of Donna Kay Odom

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Donna Kay Odom, 88, passed away at home surrounded by family in Chandler, Arizona on June 11, 2023. Donna was born August 29, 1934, in Mesa, Arizona to her parents Paul J Coleman and Helen E Donaldson Coleman. She graduated from Mesa High School where she was a Rabbette and participated in many school activities.

Donna married the love of her life, Arthur (Bud) Douglas Odom, on September 12, 1952, in Mesa, Arizona and began their life together in Chandler, Arizona. They were sealed for eternity on January 14, 1983, in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Donna loved serving others and the community. She was active with her family and participated in various community clubs and church callings. Donna worked for 40 years in the Chandler school district quickly progressing from cafeteria worker to manager. As Chandler grew, the school district centralized food preparation where Donna became its warehouse manager, and in her later years she worked part-time at the school district administration offices assisting with payroll activities. During those later years she enjoyed working side by side with many of her dear lifelong friends who started their work careers with her.

Work demanded much of her time, but she was present managing her home to be an environment of love and support. She and Art were dedicated to their family, consistently showing up to life events both major and minor, in school and life, for their children, then grandchildren no matter where they lived. In her later years, Donna continued to be present for her family, enjoying her great-grandchildren.

Donna is survived by three children: Arthur Dennis (Debbie) Odom, Linda Kay Odom (Kevin) Mele, and Douglas Michael (Kristi) Odom. Donna and Art have 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Nick Coleman and sister Anna Ruth Coleman Smith. Donna was preceded in death by her husband Art.

Donna’s unbridled love and compassion was easily felt, and those whom she encountered were drawn to her recognizing she genuinely cared about them. To the end she lived independently and in the same home for 70 years. As the family matriarch, Donna was proactive at knowing what and how her family was doing and finding ways to help anywhere and anyway she could. She was a fierce and loyal friend.

We say goodbye for now, but not forever.

Visitation will be held 6-8 pm Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N Macdonald, Mesa, Arizona, (480) 349-9255

Graveside service will be held 10AM Friday, June 23, 2023, at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona.