Oddie Kivlehen

Oddie Ann Teston Kivlehen, 96, was called to her heavenly home on July 4, 2022 - her father's birthday.

Oddie Ann was born on January 26, 1926, in Emma, TX. She was the 11th and last child of E.L. and Mary Delilah Teston. At 8 years of age the family moved to Hot Springs, New Mexico where she attended schools and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1944. Oddie married her high school sweetheart, Robert "Bob" Kivlehen on December 3, 1944. They welcomed three children, Judy Fae, Linda Ann, and Robert David and called several places home due to Bob's military service.

Following their divorce, Oddie settled in Abilene, Texas where she worked as a bookkeeper for First National Bank of Abilene for 37 years, retiring in 1989. She raised her 3 children as a single mother, meeting each challenge and struggle with strength, grace, and an unshakeable faith in her Lord. This was the Firm Foundation to which her family was built. Oddie was the true definition of a "matriarch" the emotional support who provides a "home" for her family. Summers were a time when her grandchildren would spend a week or more with her, making much anticipated trips to Taco Bell, watching 'Days of Our Lives' and taking neighborhood strolls. She loved fiercely and unconditionally and never missed an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. Oddie was a devout Christian and a member of Harvest Baptist Church in Abilene. While she was able, she was active in her ladies' group and loved meeting on Wednesdays to play Mexican Train. Her other loves included quilting with her sisters, knitting afghans, crossword puzzles, and her cherry cordials. More than anything else, though, she loved her family.

Left to mourn her on earth are her 3 children - Judy Harris, Linda (Joe) Ates, and David (Marsha) Kivlehen. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren: many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
She was preceded by her parents, 8 brothers, and 2 sisters.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wisteria Place for loving and treating our mother/Granny like their own.

Graveside services will be on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 10:00am at Elmwood Memorial Park with Travis Sims officiating. A visitation service will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.