Vonnie Lou O’Dea was born on May 22, 1945 in Marshall, MN, the second child of Loyd (Pete) and Vivian Buchert. At the age of 22 months, the Buchert family moved fifteen miles north of Philip, SD. She attended grade school at the Elbon School through the eighth grade and finished her education at Philip High School. On July 16,1962, she married James O’Dea at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Philip. To this union was born three daughters: Sheryl, Susan and Holly. During the first years of marriage, Jim and Vonnie worked for a few different ranchers in the area. In 1970, Jim and Vonnie leased the Bierwagen place at Milesville, SD for 20 years before purchasing a ranch south of Plainview.
Over the years, Vonnie was involved in her community by being a 4-H leader and teaching youth religion class at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milesville. Vonnie had a special place for children in her heart and home. Many times, she was often called on to care for the children of friends and family. Her favorite job of all was being a partner for sixty years in the ranching business with her husband, JIm. She enjoyed working with cattle as the second in command. At an early age, she learned to drive tractors and ride horses. She was the chief gate opener and bunk cleaner. She worked side by side with her Cowboy and could always be counted on to have a meal on the table for friends and family. Vonnie was always up for a competitive cribbage game and if she couldn't beat you there, she would switch to marbles. Many families enjoyed ice-skating and card parties at the O’Dea house. Vonnie always had a soft spot for the less fortunate, while at the same time had high expectations for work ethic and good moral character.
Her grandkids will remember her for teaching them how to drive, bake, and all of them enjoyed extended summer “vacations“ on the ranch. Vonnie loved attending her grandkids events and supported them in all their activities. She will forever be remembered as the family historian. Her love for family heirlooms and antiques was evident in her home.
She is survived by her husband Jim of Howes; daughters Sheryl Schweitzer of Gillette, WY, Susan O’Dea of Spearfish, SD, and Holly (Doug) Phillips of Piedmont, SD; eight grandchildren: Mary (Kyle) King, Tonya (Nick) Bunning, Rachel (Andrew) Olson, Garrett (Alyssa) Schweitzer, Amy (Troy) Wilcox, Michael Deichert, Jamie (Dakota) Spiker, and Paige Phillips along with ten great-grandchildren; other survivors include sisters: Twila (LeRoy) Dean and Betty (Jim) Smith, and brother Terry Buchert.
Vonnie was preceded in death by her parents Pete and Vivian Buchert.
Memorials may be directed to the H & M Playday Series, Rural Meade County Ambulance Service, or the Enning Fire Department.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a Christian Funeral Vigil starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Gerlach as celebrant assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein.
A Christian Funeral Committal will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Guest Book
So sorry to hear of the passing of Vonnie. What a wonderful women. I remember your folks so much being a wonderful part of the Milesville community. Heaven is a better place with your mom flying with the angels.
~ Theresa Pekron
Arvada, CO (11/17/2022)
Please accept our sincere condolences in this time of loss. Vonnie grew up in our neighborhood and we will always remember her.
~ Knneth and Linda McIlravy
Philip (11/15/2022)
My sincere condolences to the whole family, Vonnie was always smiling and offered greetings and conversation every time I would see her. What a blessing to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
~ Cheryl Ferguson
Kadoka, SD (11/17/2022)
So many good memories of Vonnie. A huge loss for us but a blessing in heaven!
~ Brad, Marie and Zach Buchert
Keota, Oklahoma (11/17/2022)
Jim & Girls, Sorry to hear of Vonnie passing. She was a special lady and will be missed. God Bless.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
Sturgis, SD (11/15/2022)
Sheryl, Susan and Holly, my deepest sympathy during the loss of your mother. Vonnie was a wonderful person, I will cherish my memories of her as a 4-H leader of the Milesville Maids. She set the bar high for her family and you should be proud you fulfilled her goals for you from the days of rodeoing to the future with your families. I am only a phone call away if you ever want to visit.
~ Kris Smith
Milesville SD (11/19/2022)
Dear Cousins,
So sorry we were not able to be with you, Jim, and Susan, Sheryl and Holly--and to meet your families. I watched the Mass this evening and was grateful to listen to the memories, so heartfelt, from last night. I whole heartedly agree Vonnie was special. Although we did not see them often, it was always a joy when we had the O'Dea reunions to see them. We greatly enjoyed our visit to the ranch, the hospitality and tour around the area that Sunday afternoon some years ago. Vonnie and I kept in touch on the FB messenger, and I so appreciate Sheryl and Susan keeping me in the loop these past few weeks. I find myself still praying for Jim and Vonnie--now eternal rest to Vonnie and peace and comfort to you, Jim.
There is nothing like the loss of one's mother--as an adult to be in touch with the child within crying for Mama. I recall that sometime after a year and a half one day I realized I did not feel so sad. (Daddy's funeral was three months to the day our mother died; no time to get over one loss before the other was upon us.) In many ways Jim reminds me of our Dad.
Sympathy to all the family with love,
your cousin Peggy O'Dea Lippert (Sylvester's youngest)
~ Peg O'Da Lippert
1112 Limerick Road (11/19/2022)
So sorry for your loss.Prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
~ Rebecca (Tootie) Formanek
York , Nebraska (11/15/2022)
Dear O'Dea Family, my heart hurts for you at this difficult time, even though we have no doubt she is singing with the saints. Our ladies Tuesday Bunch won't be the same! We will miss her so much!
~ Mary Kay Sandal
Hartford (11/14/2022)
Our prayers to the O'Dea family
~ Pat and Carla Quinn
Centennial CO (11/16/2022)
We were saddened to hear of your loss. May God Bless all of you. Your memories of all your great times will help as you face the days ahead.
~ George & Shirley Dennis
Philip, SD (11/17/2022)
To Jim and family,
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
~ Lawrence &Ronda Schofield
Midland, SD (11/15/2022)
Spoke sorry to hear of Vonnie's passing. Sending prayers to everyone in the family. Growing up in the same ''hood and attending one year of grade school with Vonnie at Elbon was part of growing up rural together!!
~ Karen Pearson
Rapid city SD (11/14/2022)
Sheryl, Susan and Holly, my deepest sympathy during the loss of your mother. Vonnie was a wonderful person, I will cherish my memories of her as a 4-H leader of the Milesville Maids. She set the bar high for her family and you should be proud you fulfilled her goals for you from the days of rodeoing to the future with your families. I am only a phone call away if you ever want to visit.
~ Kris Smith
Milesville SD (11/19/2022)
My sister told me about Vonnie . Many good memories to reflect on at this time. I
am sure she will be greatly missed by her family and especially by Jim. They were always together and it was obvious they were a happy couple. Sincere sympathy to you all. Take care of each other. Cousin, Mary O'Dea Runyon (Sylvester's daughter)
~ Mary O'Dea Runyon
Leawod, KS (11/15/2022)
My sincere condolences to you all.
~ George Paul Michael
Quinn sd (11/18/2022)
SD
~ Claudia Sandal Pullman
Freeman (11/15/2022)
So sorry for your loss.
~ Ellie (Brown) Bettelyoun
Martin,SD (11/16/2022)
Very sorry to hear of this loss. She is fondly remembered by myself and my family, growing up as neighbors to her Spearfish family. My condolences to you all!
~ Amber Koehler
Spearfish (11/15/2022)
So sadden to hear about Vinnie. Always thought a lot of Vonnie and Jim
~ Kenny & Cindy Matt
Elm Springs (11/16/2022)
Our sympathy to all of Vonnie's family.
~ Stanley&Glenda Matt
17614 3M Rd (11/18/2022)
Sorry to hear of Vonnie's passing. God took a great woman home and freed her of all her earthly pain and suffering. Always enjoyed a great visit with her. Keep your great memories close. Hugs for each of you at this difficult time.
~ Tom and Jane Aasby
Piedmont, SD (11/15/2022)
You are in our prayers during this time. She was an amazing lady.
~ Brent and Shawn Taylor
Gillette (11/18/2022)
With our sincere condolences to her family.
~ Roger & Rita Grffin
Rapid City, S.D. (11/14/2022)
Sorry for your loss , she was such a outstanding lady
~ Barry and Rita Barber
Greta Ne (11/15/2022)
My deepest condolences to Jim and family. Vonnie always had a welcome smile for everyone. A great loss to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
~ Lexy Kindsvogel
Bison, SD (11/15/2022)
So sorry for your loss.....
~ Ann Cvach
Midland, SD (11/15/2022)
So sorry to hear. Prayers
~ Val and Dcn Larry Brown
Faith (11/15/2022)
I am so sorry for your loss, you have my sympathy and prayers.
~ Linda Rae Nelson
Marshall, MN (11/15/2022)
We are thinking of you folks during this hard time. Les went to country school with Vonnie. We always enjoyed seeing the two of them at dances, they loved to dance like we do. Hold on to all the memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip, SD (11/15/2022)
WYOMING
~ Paula OConnell
Rozet (11/15/2022)
Thinking of all the family and sending hugs to you . She was a special lady.
~ Linda Stilwell
Kadoka (11/15/2022)
You are in our prayers during this time. She was an amazing lady.
~ Brent and Shawn Taylor
Gillette (11/18/2022)
Dear Cousins,
So sorry we were not able to be with you, Jim, and Susan, Sheryl and Holly--and to meet your families. I watched the Mass this evening and was grateful to listen to the memories, so heartfelt, from last night. I whole heartedly agree Vonnie was special. Although we did not see them often, it was always a joy when we had the O'Dea reunions to see them. We greatly enjoyed our visit to the ranch, the hospitality and tour around the area that Sunday afternoon some years ago. Vonnie and I kept in touch on the FB messenger, and I so appreciate Sheryl and Susan keeping me in the loop these past few weeks. I find myself still praying for Jim and Vonnie--now eternal rest to Vonnie and peace and comfort to you, Jim.
There is nothing like the loss of one's mother--as an adult to be in touch with the child within crying for Mama. I recall that sometime after a year and a half one day I realized I did not feel so sad. (Daddy's funeral was three months to the day our mother died; no time to get over one loss before the other was upon us.) In many ways Jim reminds me of our Dad.
Sympathy to all the family with love,
your cousin Peggy O'Dea Lippert (Sylvester's youngest)
~ Peg O'Da Lippert
1112 Limerick Road (11/19/2022)
SD
~ Janet & Thorval Jensen
Belle Fourche SD Via Colony WY (11/15/2022)
I am sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Memphis (11/15/2022)