Ryan Shane O'Dell, the son of Raymond Lee and Geraldine Jean (Hilliard) O'Dell, was born April 28, 1976 at Atlantic, IA and died February 11, 2011 at the Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, NE at the age of 34 years.

Ryan was baptized at the Central Church of Christ in Griswold. He attended school at Atlantic and graduated from Atlantic High School. While in high school, Ryan began working at Cass Incorporated and continued to work there following graduation. Ryan lived in Griswold his whole life and was known by many members of the community.

Ryan participated in the Special Olympics for many years. The events he had participated in include: bowling, 50-meter dash, basketball and the softball throw. Ryan was a "cat person" and had saved and raised several over the years. Ryan always lived life to it fullest.

Ryan is preceded in death by his father Raymond; his maternal grandparents Victor P. and Myrtle (Penry) Hilliard; his paternal grandparents Lee and Alice (Weilenman) O'Dell; and his uncle James.

He is survived by his mother Jeri of Griswold; his brothers William Charles O'Dell and his wife Carmon of Elliott, IA and Patrick Shannon O'Dell and his wife Debi of Griswold, IA; his nephew Ian Patrick; his step nephews: Curtis, Christopher, Blue, and Cole; his step niece Jennifer; his uncles, Jerry, Larry, and Rodger; and his aunts: Romona, Verna, Victoria, and Mary Alice. Ryan is also survived by many cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Central Church of Christ in Griswold. Pastor Mike Fabian officiating. Interment will be at the Flint Cemetery. An open visitation will be held at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold and the family will not be present at any specific time. Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of arrangements.