Nancy Lynn (Amick) O’Dell, 82, of Franklin, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Franciscan Health Indianapolis.
She was born on September 25, 1943, in Marion County, Indiana, the daughter of Harold C. and Evelyn L. (Speas) Amick. On November 19, 1995, she married Hal W. O’Dell, and he preceded her in death on April 20, 1999.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (Stoops) Smith and husband, Chris, of Caro, Michigan; siblings, Alan C. Amick and wife, Karen, of Granger, Dr. Rosalind A. Hsia and husband, Steve, of Sacramento, California, and Cheryl Amick of Indianapolis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nancy was also preceded in death by her parents; special friend and companion, Andy Taff; and brother-in-law, Jim Jansen.
Nancy was a 1961 graduate of Triton Central High School. She received a Bachelor’s degree in 1965 and a Master’s degree in 1974, each from Ball State University.
Nancy was an elementary school teacher from 1965 until 2000. She taught at Addison Township School in Shelby County and Graham Annex School and Milroy Elementary School in Rush County.
She was a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Indiana Retired Teachers’ Association, Rush County Retired Teachers’ Association, Friends of the Library in Shelbyville, IN, and Mill Race Center in Columbus, IN. She was also honored with membership in Alpha Delta Kappa.
She enjoyed traveling, exercising, reading, playing bridge, and cleaning. She volunteered many years for Major Health Partners, more recently at Renovo Orthopaedic Center located in Shelbyville, Indiana.
A Celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on May 16, 2026, at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Indiana, at 10:30 A.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Nancy Amick O’Dell Scholarship Fund c/o Rush County Community Foundation or Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory located at 819 South Harrison St. in Shelbyville, Indiana. Online condolences may be shared with Nancy’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
