Naomi Martha (Nichols) Wenger
Naomi Martha (Nichols) Wenger, 91, died
Tuesday, November 2, 2021. A memorial service at Trinity Heights
United Methodist Church at 2:30 pm. A dessert and coffee reception
will follow the service at the Church. Naomi was born on October 23,
1930, in Fairview, Oklahoma to George and Susanna (Smith) Nichols.
She married Marvin "Bill" Wenger on November 14, 1948. She
is survived by her four children and three sons-in-law: Steven Wenger
of North Newton, Kansas; Joan Brubacher (Michael) of Scottsdale,
Arizona; Melanie Wenger (David Flynn) of Annapolis, Maryland; and
Denise Matthews (Harry) of Olathe, Kansas. She is also survived by
four grandchildren, Jaimee Grisoni (Thomas), Lauren Brennan (Shawn),
Kelsey Matthews, Justin Matthews and six great-grandchildren, Lucas
Michael, Gabriela Susanne, Luciana Ines, and Christian Nicholas
Grisoni and Jack Edward and Everly Naomi Brennan. Naomi was one of
nine children and is survived by three, Galen Nichols of Fairview,
Oklahoma, June Jantz of Neodesha, Kansas and Jack Nichols of
Fairview, Oklahoma.
After marrying Bill, the young couple
lived in Hesston, Kansas and initially farmed a parcel of ground in
western Kansas. As a young bride and while living in Hesston, Naomi
worked as an operator for the local telephone company. She became a
full-time mother when her first child was born in 1952. Naomi's first
love was her family. She was a caring and loving mother and strong
advocate for her children, including ensuring they would have every
opportunity to pursue higher education and personal growth. Her
family will remember her not only for the love and care she provided
them, but also for her wisdom, philosophical viewpoints, and sense of
humor, which she shared with everyone she met. She loved her
sons-in-law and her grandchildren and great grandchildren
passionately.
She had a love of gardening, art, and
design. Reflecting her love of art, she was one of the founders and
an original board member of the Carriage Factory Art Gallery in
Newton, Kansas and served in an ex officio capacity until recently.
She understood the value of community and supported many local
initiatives throughout her life. She spent her later years continuing
as the strong and independent woman that she was.
A private family visitation will be
held at Petersen Funeral Home. A private family graveside committal
will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery. Extended
family is invited to join the children for the committal service. A
public memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday November 9, 2021
at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. Naomi is a member of
Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. The family suggests memorial
contributions to the Carriage Factory Art Gallery or Trinity Heights
United Methodist Church, in care of Petersen's Funeral Home.
