Helen Odean Hargis

Helen Odean Willis Hargis passed away peacefully Friday evening, at the age of 85. She is survived by her children, Ann Batchelor, Edyth Karlins, and Thom Hargis; their spouses, Steve Batchelor, Marvin Karlins, and Sherri Hargis; her grandchildren, Amber Karlins, Chrissy Brown, Mandy Johnson, and Tami Hanson; and several great grandchildren.

Family always came first for Odean. She met her husband, the late David Hoover Hargis, in Deland, Florida, and the two built a full life together. They raised three children, traveled often, and, after more than half a century of marriage, still acted like newlyweds.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Odean was also a dedicated teacher. She received a dual degree in elementary education and social work from the University of Tennessee and eventually went on to receive her masters in education from Nova University. She was a staunch supporter of the rights of all children, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, to receive a quality education, a belief that was, no doubt, shaped by her work in Atlanta's intercity schools during the civil rights movement. Odean worked as an elementary school teacher for almost forty years, and she spent many of those decades at Umatilla Elementary School.

In her spare time, Odean was an active member of First Baptist Church of Umatilla, where here late husband, David, was a deacon. Through First Baptist, she volunteered as a member of the library committee and donated her time to the Sonshine School. She was a skilled painter, working in oil, acrylics, and watercolors.

She will be laid to rest Thursday afternoon in Umatilla, Florida. The viewing will take place at Beyer's Funeral Home from 1-2, and the funeral will begin at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow immediately after. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or Pathways Hospice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.