Naomi Ward

Naomi Jean Malone Wanders Armstrong Ward 92 passed away on Mother’s Day May 11, 2025.

She was born July 16, 1932 to the late James F. and Pearl (Sacrider) Malone. After graduating from Monticello High School in 1950, she married Benjamin Wanders and had five children, Nona Wanders Stiles (Bob) of Monticello, Naomi Wanders Roark (Tim) of Anderson, MO, Benjamin Wanders (deceased), Lynne Wanders Mansfield of Galena, MO and James (Ronda) Wanders of Anderson, MO. She enjoyed her 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, stepson, Brian (Amy) Ward of Powell, OH and step grandson, Aiden Ward of Powell, OH, half-sister, Imo Yost of DeMotte, IN and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her second husband Donald Armstrong. She found love again with Jack Ward who proceeded her in death on February 26, 2022. Also proceeding her in death was her brother Green Beret Sergeant Major Douglas W Malone, son, Benjamin Wanders, step-sister, Juanita Weatherford Dressler, half-brother, Paul Lee Keller, grandson, Robert Hymiller Jackson, and granddaughter, Lillian Wanders.

She was an active member of many organizations during her life. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Monticello, a charter member of rainbow girls and a 50 year member of Eastern Star Crystal Chapter #165. Naomi liked to read, quilt and tender flower beds. She was a former member of the current literature club of Monticello. She enjoyed the Wednesday Reading Club of Monticello. She belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution, former member of the Monticello Garden Club, friends of the library, Merry Mixers Extension Club, Black Swamp Quilters of Bowling Green OH, American Quilters of Paducah, KY and National Quilters Association. She belonged to the Old Tippecanoe Quilter Skill, Calico Cut Up Quilters and the Giggly Chapter of the Red Hats. She was recognized with awards at the White County fair and Ohio fairs.

She will be missed for her quilting skills, her wonderful smile and warm friendship.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 11:00 am until 12:45 pm. Eastern Star services will be at 12:45 pm until the time of services celebrating Naomi's life at 1:00 pm at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello.

Burial will follow in Buffalo Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Monticello. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com