Naomi was born on January 1, 1931, and died almost exactly 81 years later on December 27, 2011. She was the youngest of six children born to Opal Booth Smith and Sidney Smith. She was a strong and independent woman.
Naomi grew up on a sheep ranch in the Madison Valley where she loved trailing sheep and hated packing wool. After graduating from Twin Bridges High she went to nursing school at Montana State College. She worked as a nurse for several years and then became a nurse anaesthetist. She retired in the early 1980’s and went back to school – this time obtaining an M.S. in media from Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado. In 1984 she moved to Helena where she opened her business, “Photosmith,” restoring old photographs.
Naomi was an outdoors woman. She loved to ski, backpack, hunt, fish and garden. She was an avid reader and an accomplished knitter. Always active in the community, she worked elections and at the genealogy library at the public library, participated in a book club, and was a member of the Senior Singers, Audubon, and Fortnightly. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.
Naomi was preceded in death by both of her parents, her sister, Juanita, her brothers, James and Sidney, Sidney’s wife, Lenore, and her dear friend Carolyn Larson. She is survived by her brother Oliver, his wife, Edna, their daughters Janice Harbor (husband Johnny and children Caleb, Noah, and Lydia), and Belinda Christensen (husband Brian and children Melissa, Andrea, and James). She is also survived by her sister, Virginia Holton, her husband, George, their daughters, Susan (Kip Kramer), and Wendy (Mike King), and her loyal dog, Molly.
A special thanks to everyone at Aspen Gardens for their care of, and for, Naomi during the past two years; her friend, Gayle Wold, who visited every week; and to Hospice of Saint Peters who kept her comfortable during the last weeks of her life.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Retz Funeral Home. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2012 at the Church of Christ, 1000 N Ewing St. in Helena, with a reception to follow the service at the church. Naomi’s remains will be buried in the family plot in Twin Bridges, Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
If desired, memorials can be sent to the Lewis and Clark County Library, the Audubon Society, or an organization of your choice. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Naomi, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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kelsey lee says
To the family of Naomi Smith,
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34;18) With sympathy,
Mary Munger says
Membership in the Fortnightly Club of Helena brought us together in friendship and next as Singer Singers. We also shared some nursing experiences. I admired greatly her love of the outdoors and her interest in genealogy.I have missed her presence these last few years and now share your loss.
Jan Booth says
Cousin Naomi and I took a walk together in Pittsfield at the last family reunion and she made my heart swell with love and happiness. We hugged a tree together and felt close. I attended chuech with her the next morning and enjoyed singing at her side. So glad to have known her…
John Ilgenfritz says
Condolences to Naomi’s family and friends. I knew Naomi through working as an election judge at the Civic Center for many years. She was a real trooper.
She was dedicated to the process and to the voters of Montana.
In addition, she was a joy to work with, having a ready smile and a willingness to help voters and co-workers alike.
I shall think of her fondly on election day.
Sarah Sanchez Centeno says
Sympathies to all. Naomi was my bible school teacher at the Greeley Church of Christ. Her way of teaching was wonderful. I can remember all the displays, colored bible blocks. The manner in which she taught us has made me whom I am today. She was a strong, beautiful smile, warm, loving. I can still remember being proud to here the “beep” from her pager go off during worship and thinking “there goes my teacher, She is saving lives”. I LOVE HER. I will miss her. When I think of Greeley, I will always remember her!! Naomi, Caroly and Trulene are still in my memory