Vivian Lorraine (O’Dell) Christensen, age 101, of Excelsior Springs, MO, went home to be with the Lord Thursday morning, February 20, 2025.
Vivian was born February 18, 1924, the daughter of Clarence and Reca (Summers) O’Dell in rural Orrick, MO. She was the eldest of three children and lived her entire life in the Excelsior Springs area.
After graduating from High School in 1942 and through 1958, Vivian spent a majority of her career working as an Administrative Assistant for the Excelsior Springs City Manager, Chamber of Commerce, and Mineral Water System. On May 27, 1944, she married her high school sweetheart Paul Christensen. They were married for 48 years. From 1958 and beyond, she worked at home as a homemaker. She enjoyed spending time doing embroidery, gardening, canning, traveling, spending time with family and friends and eating her favorite Russell Stover Candy. She was a member of the North New Garden Primitive Baptist Church.
Survivors include her son, Brian, and daughter-in-law, Brenda of Excelsior Springs; sister, Grace Palmer; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; and brother, Maurice O’Dell.
Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the North New Garden Church, with services following at 2:00 p.m., burial in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the church memorial fund.
Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
