Naomi Ruth Tuftee

Naomi Ruth Tuftee, 89, of Clarion passed away Friday, September 9, 2016 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion.

Funeral services for Naomi Ruth Tuftee will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 11:30 AM at Holmes Lutheran Church, 2139 Hancock Avenue, Clarion with Pastor Rich Taylor officiating. Burial will be at Holmes Lutheran Cemetery south of Holmes.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Naomi Ruth Tuftee was born June 1, 1927 to George “Maynard” and Mamie (Lee) Tuftee. Her brother Darwin, whom she called “Tinker Toy”, called her “Sis – The Kid” because she was always the boss. She grew up in rural Holmes, and graduated from Clarion High School in 1947.

Education was important not only to her family, but to her as well. Following her high school graduation, Naomi received her Elementary Teaching Certificate from Eagle Grove Junior College in 1948 and started teaching in rural one-room schools in Wright County. While pursuing her teaching career, she completed her Bachelors Degree in Education from Drake University. She taught at Dows and Kanawha before starting her 27 year profession with the Britt Community School District. Naomi retired after 41 years of teaching.

On the Tuftee Farm, as brother and sister, they each had their own jobs to take care of. Naomi took care of the inside jobs, and Darwin maintained the acreage outside by mowing.

Naomi was a social butterfly; she and her brother, Darwin, cherished their meals at the Pizza Ranch, New Home Café, and Family Table. They enjoyed attending bank socials and events in Olson Park in Fort Dodge. Naomi rarely forgot special events, sending flowers on birthdays and poinsettias during the holiday season.

Naomi was a longtime member of the Holmes Evangelical Lutheran Church in which she was confirmed. She served on the Home Circle and enjoyed getting together with the ladies on the first Wednesday of each month. Naomi was an organist as well as pianist for the church, and enjoyed giving music lessons.

Naomi is survived by her brother Darwin Tuftee, beloved caregiver and friend, Rosetta “Rosie” Busick and Jim Peterson, numerous cousins and family members, and great, caring neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents and other relatives.