"I enjoyed every visit I had with Naomi and was pleased to care for her big plant during the winter when she was in AZ. We square danced together, my daughter Donna loved her as her teacher, and I was privileged to play the piano for her 90th birthday celebration. Rest in peace, Naomi with love, Melba Muhlenbruch"
In loving memory of
Naomi Fay Ritzman
July 21, 1921 - September 21, 2020
Naomi Fay Ritzman, 99, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away Monday, September 21, 2020, at Franklin Country View Nursing Facility in Hampton after a short illness associated with natural aging. She was born July 21, 1921 in Baxter, Iowa to James and Odessa Kimberley.
Naomi attended grade school in Baxter and graduated from Mingo High School. She then attended Iowa State Teacher's College earning her degree in education and initially taught school in the Baxter/Marshalltown area. Lastly she taught second grade for 10 years in the Hampton School District retiring in 1969 to be a full-time farm wife.
Naomi was united in marriage to Vern W. Ritzman on June 14, 1958 in Baxter. They subsequently were active members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hampton since 1960. She was very active in the church and women's fellowship activities.
Following their marriage, Naomi joined Vern and his son, Vernon, on a farm south of Dumont. Two years later they bought and moved to their own farm on Highway 3 east of Hampton. They retired from the farm after 29 years and moved to their home in Hampton in 1988.
In retirement they were able to travel the United States in their camper, and ultimately chose to winter/snowbird in Apache Junction, Az. Additional trips included Hawaii, Alaska and annual trips to Colorado to visit family.
Naomi is survived by her son Vernon D. (Sharon) Ritzman, M.D. of Golden, Colorado; grandson Michael Ritzman of Breckenridge, Colorado; granddaughter Michelle (Matt) Spidell of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; great grandson Trevor Ritzman of Littleton, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Vern, who died in an automobile accident in 2007.
Due to Covid 19, a private burial was held in Baxter, Ia.
In lieu of flowers or casseroles, please consider a donation in Naomi's memory to the Franklin General Hospital Foundation - the source of her excellent and compassionate health care in assisted living and nursing home services these past few years.
The Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton is assisting Naomi's family.
Tributes
"I have many memories of my great aunt Naomi. She was never too busy to sit on the porch swing with me and play with my kitties. I always loved time spent with her and Vern. Thoughts and prayers to you, Vernon, Sharon and family. ?? Amy Ritzman "
"So sorry to hear of Mrs. Ritzman's passing. She was my second grade teacher at Franklin Elementary. She was a great teacher and a big part of my great memories at Franklin. Probably the most patient and kind teacher I had. "
"She was my all time favorite teacher. I had her for 2nd grade at Franklin. She was always so nice. My parents were friends with her and Vern so I thought that was the coolest thing to tell my friends. A beautiful lady inside and out. Karen"
"I loved this lady so much. She was a great inspiration to me and how she was so determined to get well and go home when she first was in the nursing home. I took care of her and did rehab with her daily. She would call me Sargent Susan. My prayers and sympathy are with all of you and your family at this time. Larry and Susan Bender"
"Naomi was a very special friend. Pat Larsen"
"Naomi was one of the kindest, most positive and "smiliest" women I have ever had the privilege of calling my friend. She was so loved by all the members of the First Congregational UCC. Always a willing worker...she was a joy to be around. Naomi and I decided that it was by God's will that I ended up with a beautiful quilt her mother made for her when she was four yeas old. A long story, but I will cherish it forever.........I loved to listen to her tell stories about growing up. Mary Lou Semler"