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In memory of

Gaye Odom

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip due to complications of Covid-19 at the age of 92

Sally Gaye Odom was born in Baird, Texas on July 12th, 1928 to Euless and Irvin “Nubbin” Corn. Gaye graduated as valedictorian of Baird High School in 1945, and subsequently received several offers for college scholarships. However, like many women of her generation, she never attended college, but she was known to have an incisive and quick mind until her very last days. Although she always wished she had been able to pursue a college degree, she leaves a living legacy of children and grandchildren who have achieved educational success and thriving professional careers.

Gaye married Tom Odom on May 27th, 1945. They had three children, Tommy Odom Jr, Steve Odom, and Bonnie (Odom) Shaw. In 1957, the Odom family moved from the Texas plains to the South Dakota prairie to begin what would become the center of her life, the family farm and ranch, and the town of Philip, South Dakota. Gaye embraced her new community. In addition to helping manage the family farm and raising her family, she worked for the local sale barn and served as a Haakon County commissioner. It seems as though the patchwork pastures, blowing grasslands, and rolling hills of South Dakota, which for her were home and the place where she raised a family, also exemplify her 92 years on this earth. The abundant springs and summers, and the enigmatic and lingering cold and snow of winter were a part of her and made her who she was, a strong, hard-working, and independent lady.


Gaye was known as an excellent cook, and her fried chicken and mashed potatoes are remembered fondly by all. When she wasn’t busy making large meals to feed an active ranching family and friends, she could be found in her garden. Gaye especially loved tending to her array of various types of tomato plants, which flourished under her care. The abundance produced by her garden was often stored for the long cold winters through her knowledge of canning and preserving foods. As a lover of words and puzzles, she had an affinity for crosswords and did them daily. Gaye attended the United Methodist Church in Philip and enjoyed her daily coffee dates with her friends. She looked forward to family updates, especially regarding her twelve great-grandchildren. To many of this third generation, she was known simply as ‘little grandma’.

Gaye married Harold McDaniel on April 26th, 1995. Harold unfortunately passed away a few years after they married, but she enjoyed a wonderful relationship with his family until her passing.

Gaye had a razor-sharp wit and charmed anyone she met. Friday nights were special in Philip as Gaye and Janie Kennedy would dress up and go to dinner at the Steakhouse, where they enjoyed a cocktail and dinner at their VIP table. Many in the community stopped by their table to chat with these two strong women.

Gaye is survived by her three children: Tommy and Vicki Odom Jr, Horseshoe Bay, TX, Steve and Suzee Odom, Baird TX, and Bonnie and Bill Shaw, Ogden, UT; her grandchildren and their families: Hayley and Kyle Schneider, Riley and Patty Odom, Foy Odom, Clay and Amy Odom, Molly and Ben Magill, Matt and Carrie Shaw, Wendy and Dustin Shaw-Cutlip, and Danielle and Maria Whittle-Shaw; her twelve great-grandchildren; her siblings Jack Corn and Roger Corn and their families; and the family of her second husband, Harold McDaniel.


Gaye was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Tom; her second husband Harold; her grandson Foy Odom; and her sister-in-law Barbara Corn.

Due to Covid-19 considerations, a private family graveside service will be held, and a celebration of life service will follow at a later date for family and friends. Details for the celebration of life service will be announced as soon as conditions allow.


The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to all of those who were so good to Gaye in recent years; Lu Roseth, Cindy Miller, Bill and Diane McDaniel, Sandra Gittings, Sally Jankord, and Helen Pfeifer. The family would also like to thank the Hans P. Peterson Memorial doctors, nurses, and hospital staff that took excellent care of her, especially Dr. Holman.

A memorial is established to the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Due to Covid-19 considerations, a private family graveside service will be held, and a celebration of life service will follow at a later date for family and friends. Details for the celebration of life service will be announced as soon as conditions allow.

  • Your mother is the last of a great generation of kinfolk. God bless you all. ~ Terry & Grant Dukes Horseshoe Bay, Texas (11/9/2020)
  • I had the honor of spending time with Gaye when I moved home after mom died. We went to Deadwood, bowled on the same team, and played a ton of bingo at the 73! She was a very treasured friend and I always enjoyed our visits and ventures together. I will savor those times and friendship until the day I die..... ~ Judy Goldhammer Wall (11/4/2020)
  • our sympathy to all of Gayes family. What memories of a life well lived. She enjoyed life and all enjoyed her. ~ Ed and Joyce Buchholz Belle Fourche (10/31/2020)
  • Even though I never met " Grandma Gaye", I always knew her in some other way or another. I especially knew so much about her through grandfather, Steve who told me so many stories. My thoughts and prayers. ~ Doss Magill Dallas, TX (10/30/2020)
  • We were sorry to hear about the loss of Gaye. She was one of a kind. She called it like she saw it and that is refreshing! Loved that drawl of hers and could listen to her talk forever. Many kind prayers sent to her family and the very close knit group of lady friends she had-she will be well missed by all. ~ Vonda and Jason Hamill Milesville, SD (10/29/2020)
  • Thinking of you folks during this hard time. Gay was quite a lady, hold on to all the memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip,SD (10/29/2020)
  • She was the sweetest lady and will be missed by all. ~ Joann Stark IA (10/28/2020)
  • I first meet Gaye at the bowling alley. I bowled on a team with her, Belle Ravlette, and Jeannette Barnett. She was slot of fun, easy to talk to. I enjoyed the time I spent with her. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. ~ Jackie Shull Wall now Wasta (10/28/2020)
  • Our sympathies to Tommy, Steve, Bonnie and families. ~ Scott & Sherry Odom Clyde, Texas (10/28/2020)
  • Gaye was the sweetest lady!! She will be missed by so many. Our sympathy to Gaye's family. ~ Don and Jolene Haynes Philip, SD (10/28/2020)
  • I loved this woman! She was a blessing to all who knew her. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Karen Hanson Rapid City SD (10/27/2020)
  • My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. The friendship Gaye and my mom shared was a lesson to all of us. May their reunion have heaven dancing this Friday night. God Bless ~ Stacey (Kennedy) Sharp Rapid City (10/27/2020)
  • My sincere condolences to the Odom family on the loss of Gaye. She lived a larger than average life and touched so many around her with her wit and humor. I am so thankful for her lifelong friendship with my mother, Janie Kennedy. I loved calling home to see what the Friday night happenings with Gaye were and was always thankful that they had such a great friendship and had so much fun together. The loss of Gaye will be a big one for the community and your family. She will be fondly remembered by our family for sure. Many prayers for peace and comfort and smiles for the endless stories that can be told about such an amazing lady! ~ Christy (Kennedy) Webley Huntsville, AL (10/27/2020)
  • Our thoughts and prayers to the Odom family. Gaye was always smiling and happy every time we ran into her. She was a special lady that's for sure. ~ Al and Donna Crown Wall (10/27/2020)
  • Heart felt condolences to Odom family . Gay was a fun lady, a friend to many. Mother always took me to visit Gay when I was in town. ~ Shelly O’Connor Montana (10/27/2020)
  • South Dakota ~ Melissa Reckling Rapid City (10/27/2020)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, we enjoyed many years of friendship ~ Janet and Gordon Good Longvalley,SD (10/27/2020)
  • Our deepest sympathy to the Odom families. Gaye was a very sweet lady and will be missed by many. May you find comfort and love from family and friends in the days ahead. ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (10/27/2020)
  • Gaye was one of my best friends when I lost my mom. We always had great coffee parties and a few happy hours together at the 73 Bar. Loved her!!! And I will truly miss her! ~ Judy (Kennedy) Goldhammer Wall (10/27/2020)
  • Sending condolences to the family Gaye was an awesome lady!! ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (10/27/2020)
  • Dear Odom Family, Gaye was such a fun, sweet lady, we stopped a couple of times over the years to visit her. She was always so fun when I worked downtown! I don't know what else to say other than she was a delight to know. We will always remember her fondly. Keep your precious memories close to your heart. She will be missed by many. ~ Floren and Debbie Falzone Philip, SD (10/27/2020)
  • I am so sorry to hear about Gaye. She was a true lady and always kind. She will be missed! ~ June Huston Midland SD (10/27/2020)
  • So sorry to hear about Gaye. She was a super lady, loved visiting with her. Remember the good times. ~ Karen Snyder Philip, SD (10/26/2020)
  • Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. ~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea Howes, SD (10/26/2020)
  • Sending our deepest sympathy, I loved visiting with your Mom whenever I saw her. She was such a neat lady who will be greatly missed. ~ Glen David and Kerry Hostutler Midland, SD (10/26/2020)
  • We are so very sad to hear of Gaye's passing. She was a great neighbor and just the sweetest person you could ever know. We will miss seeing her. ~ Neal and Vickie Petersen Philip (10/26/2020)
  • Our sympathy to the Family. Gaye was a very special lady. we always enjoyed visiting with her. God Bless ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (10/26/2020)
  • Odom family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Gaye was a wonderfully spirited lady who was a joy to be around. May god bless you with good memories of her in this difficult time.     ~ Billie Jo, Jason, Devin & Karlee Tosse Dacono, CO (10/26/2020)
  • Odom Family - You are in our thoughts and prayers. Gaye was a very special lady and we will sure miss her. Let there be happy memories for you all to share of a life well-lived. Blessings, the Burnett's ~ David & Mary Burnett Philip, SD (10/26/2020)
  • Our sympathy to the family. Gaye was a special lady. May your memories ease the loss you are enduring. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (10/26/2020)
  • South Dakota ~ Rose and Glen Bennett Philip (10/26/2020)
  • Tommy, Steve, Bonnie and families,
    We are so very sorry for the loss of Gaye. She was a beautiful lady and will be missed by many. She was such a close and dear friend of our family for many years. Lots of found memories of her and Tom growing up. Her friendship with my mom was a special one. May God hold you close and keep those memories close to your heart. Prayers to you all.     ~ Duane & J’Nai Hauk Quinn, SD (10/25/2020)
  • Tommy, Steve,Bonnie and family so sorry for your loss, your mother was a very special lady. Hugs and prayers. ~ Mark and Judith Radway Philip (10/25/2020)