Oletha "Irene" (Gates) Brownell, 80, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, (July 6, 2016) at the Knox County Nursing Home in Edina, Missouri.

Oletha was born September 17, 1935 in Stahl, Missouri, the daughter of the late James and Maggie (Goucher) Gates. On July 2, 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona, Oletha was united in marriage to John Thomas Brownell who preceded her in death on February 8, 2012.

Oletha is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, John Edward and Lola Brownell of Queen City, MO, and James Marion and Rita Brownell Sr. of Novinger, MO; one daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Jim Barnes of Novinger, MO; nine grandchildren, Tricia Burton, Amanda Toleando, James Brownell, Andrea Brownell, Michael Brownell, Matthew Brownell, Marcus Brownell, Brandon Broadwell, and Bradley Broadwell, as well as twenty-two great-grandchildren.

Oletha resided most of her life in Novinger and received her education in the Novinger public schools. She was employed twenty-seven years for Hollister, Inc. until retiring in 1998.

Oletha enjoyed quilting, collecting bears, flowers, and gardening, but most of all she loved spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren's ball games. Her very favorite color was lavender.

Oletha was a member of Ladies Auxiliary, Novinger Renewal, cooked for the Lions Club, and was a former City Clerk and Treasurer for the City of Novinger. She was also a member of Connelsville Bible Church.

Public visitation will be held Saturday, (July 9, 2016) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, (July 10, 2016) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Alan Coonfield officiating. Interment will follow the service at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Broadwell, Bradley Broadwell, James M. Brownell Jr., Matthew Brownell, Michael Brownell, and Marcus Brownell. Honorary pallbearers will be Xander and Xavien Broadwell, Trae, Jace, and Gage Brownell, Kevin Blackorby, G.J. Sizemore, and Dennis Wilson.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Irene Brownell may be made to the Knox County Nursing Home. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.