Obituary
On the evening of September 20, 2025, Mrs. Gail Oden passed peacefully in her sleep at the Landings of Prescott Valley, Arizona. She was just a few weeks shy of her 87th birthday. Up to the very end, Gail maintained an abiding and unflinching love for her family and friends that she manifested in service and was the hallmark in the life of this graceful daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Gail was born in Binghampton, New York to Aurther and Helen Monell. She was the second of four children and was strongly connected to her family. The Monell clan lived with passion and devotion to one another and to the world in which they walked.
Gail evidenced this passion in her own mission to South America and in her careers as a teacher and as a medical technician. She met another missionary who had served in South America, Dr. Lynn Oden, and quickly convinced him that they should marry and form a family. Their service continued in the raising of two sons and dedication to improving the world in which they raised them. They travelled across the nation and overseas to Asia in their efforts to bring light to the world and serve as examples to the young men they were launching into that world.
A lone woman in this sea of raging testosterone, Gail remained the iron spine in their ongoing service to others. She cared for them all, all those they brought home, and all those she found in the world in need. She loved and she served. In later years she delighted in the service of her husband and sons and in the joy of grandchildren, many of whom quickly outgrew her in stature, but never in heart.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her older sister, Marlene, and younger brother, Richard. She is survived and cherished by her husband, Lynn, her sister Rita Byers, sons Lance (and wife Remi) and Leif (and wife Amara), and a plethora of grandchildren whom she adored.
Remembrances
With fond memories of the Odens, I send hugs and condolences to Lynn, Lance, Lief and their families.
~~ Joyce Sloan
Goodness, how the Saints keep marching in at this time. I had the opportunity to cross paths with Gail and her family at the Houston house. She was a stalwart colleague, just as her obituary reflected. Condolences to the family. Just at the time so many seem to be exiting the planet, the rest of us need to become “like camels” according to Matthew Fox. Filling ourselves with goodness, and beauty and humility and compassion and gratitude however we can, for the long journey ahead. We know not for how long but we do know where we want to head.
~~ Alfrieda Wilkins
Dear Alfrieda, Thank you for your words which are so grounded. I salute you 🙂 It is a joy to read the condolences which we write about those who pass on to the glory land. I remember both the Odens with deep respect. I did not work closely with Gail, and yet I noticed a genuine depth and wisdom and deep strength within. In hope and with love,
~~ Isobel Bishop
Gail, Lynn and your fine sons, Lance and Leif, were great gifts to our Order and to our work around the world. Dear Gail, rest peacefully, knowing that your have cherished and nurtured life across the globe in your deeply loving service. Grace, peace and love,
~~ Marilyn (and Joe) Crocker