Holderman, Naomi Catharine Blough (1911-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Aug 24 p. 8

Birth date: 1911 Dec 20

text of obituary:

MRS. NAOMI HOLDERMAN

Naomi Catharine Holderman was born near Johnston [sic Johnstown], Penna. on Dec. 20, 1911, a daughter of John A. and Emma Blough. She met death July 5, 1961, in an auto accident on the highway north of Bakersfield, Calif.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph J. Holderman, a daughter Ruth Elaine and an adopted son, James Keith, all of 3467 Peck Ave. S. E., Salem, Oregon; four brothers, Harry, Martin, Paul and Merle Blough of Holsopple, Pa.; and four sisters, Nora (Mrs. Morgan) Yoder of Holsopple, Edith (Mrs. U. Grant) Weaver of Johnstown, Pa.; Ruth (Mrs. John) Stoltzfus of Lancaster, Pa., and Mrs. Irma Richards of Los Angeles.

As a young girl, Naomi became a member of the Blough Mennonite Church of Holsopple. She moved to Los Angeles in 1937 and became a member of the Calvary Mennonite Church.

On Feb. 24, 1945, she was married to Ralph Holderman

She and her family moved to Deering, Alaska in 1951 to teach school and serve under the Alaska Native Service. They had charge of the medical and dental needs of the village as well as adult education and other government assistance. They worked in Deering and later in Shungnak for seven years. She loved the Eskimos and her work among them, and they dearly loved her.

In 1960 Naomi with her family moved to Salem, Oregon, after spending a year in Fairbanks. She spent many years as a 4-H Club leader and was active in church and Sunday school work.

Those whom she left behind may rejoice in her being with Jesus, Whom she loved and served.