Mrs. Veta B. Roberts, 94, a resident of the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in New Hartford, formerly of Utica, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the nursing home with her loving family by her side.

     Veta was born in Seward, New York, on November 10, 1931, the daughter of Vetal and Bertha Bell (Truax) Quackenbush. She was raised and educated in Oneonta and Albany and was a graduate of St. Anne’s High School in Albany. In 1951, Veta was united in marriage to George O’Dell, Sr. Prior to relocating to the Utica area, she was employed with Western Union in Oneonta. She later continued her career at General Electric Company in Utica, Faxton Hospital, and more recently at Boss-Linco Trucking Company in Utica—a position she truly loved. Veta enjoyed bowling, working on puzzles, and doing needlework, but above all, she had a special love for dancing. She was of the Baptist faith.

     Mrs. Roberts is survived by her loving children, Mabel Fleming (Sue) of Schuyler, Georgia and Ray Ferguson of Utica, George, Jr., and Sandy O’Dell of Whitesboro, and Cyndi and Daniel Livas of Texas; her daughter-in-law, Karen O’Dell of Amsterdam; her three sisters, Elizabeth Aiken of Albany, Donna Quackenbush of Oneonta and Frannie Fronckowiak of Oneonta and her dear bowling friend, Tony Lapolla. Veta also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Ron O’Dell, Sr.; her son-in-law, Tom Fleming; her great granddaughter, Lacey Hurwitz; her dear friend, James Ryan; her brothers, Bill Quackenbush and Kenneth Quackenbush and her sisters, Helena Rion and Juanita McMillan.

     Visitation for family and friends is Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 P.M. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 P.M. at the conclusion of visitation. She will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Memorial Park in Kirkland, at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 1650 Champlin Ave., New Hartford, NY 13413 in Veta’s Memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

     Mrs. Roberts’ family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, especially Victoria, for the compassionate and loving care you provided to Veta.