Obituary of Jan B Oden

On April 16, 2022, Jan Boaz Oden lost her battle with lung cancer. When diagnosed in March of 2021 and faced with radiation treatments she embarked on her “Joy Jubilee Train” to make it to the 16^th of each month.  The 16^th day of the month had a very special meaning to Jan.  Her beloved son, Chris Oden, passed on November 16, 2015, and her beloved husband and soul mate, Clint Oden, passed on December 16, 2016.  She was also born on the 16^th of the month.  “I feel love-bound to that number and will add it to my living goals and creations –ever striving to reach beyond 16.”

Jan displayed artistic talents early on, with private lessons and art classes in high school, followed by two years’ studies in fine art and commercial art in college. She served her country for 31 years as a Department of the Army Civilian illustrating and designing educational materials and publications.  Her artist talents took her down many paths; quilting, painting, basket weaving, and upon settling in Sedona, AZ in 2006, to a new path she dearly loved – “Sculptor”.

Her work started in water-based clay at the Sedona Arts Center. With excitement and ambition, she advanced to oil-based clay winning “Best of Show” for the bronze titled “Timeless Traditions,” a piece of pottery held by working hands. Jan continued as a Bronze Sculptor creating other works of art such as Cherokee Wind Dancer and Choices, which can be seen at Mountain Spirit Gallery in Prescott, AZ.

Jan Oden is survived by her daughter’s Karen L. Timmons of Suffolk, VA and Wendy L. Oden, of Sedona, AZ; her son Eric Craig Oden, of Myrtle Beach, SC; her grandsons Michael Christopher Timmons, of Jersey City, NJ, and Ethan Connor Oden of Loveland, CO; and granddaughter Addison Camille Oden of Loveland, CO.

Jan’s spirit is always traveling in the circle of life: Heart to Hands – Hands to Art – Art to Heart – Heart to Hands – the circle continues. So shall she - on her “Joy Jubilee Train.” There will be a Celebration of Life for friends and neighbors from 4 – 7 pm on May 14, 2022, at 40 Lolomi Drive, Sedona, AZ.