On Sunday morning, September 11, 2011, our Lord and Savior took our precious mother, Naomi Tupper, during her sleep, and together they walked hand-in-hand into heaven. She passed away at Grace Assisted Living in Nampa, her home for the past 18 months of her life.
Naomi's Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Avenue South, Nampa. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Caldwell. The family will greet friends and loved ones at a visitation on Thursday, September 15, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Alsip Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. So., Nampa.
Naomi Jean Tupper was born in Topeka, Kansas on August 30, 1923. She was reared and educated in Kansas. Naomi was one of 14 children born to John and Jessie May.
Naomi met the love of her life, Wilford Tupper, in Hagerman, ID and they were married in November 1949. Following their marriage, they made their home in Hagerman and Shoshone where Wilford was a diligent rancher and dairyman.
Naomi was the epitome of a "farmer's wife" ~ keeping an immaculate home, cooking large meals for family, friends, and hired men, canning, baking, cleaning, gardening, and always first and foremost serving the Lord with her whole heart. They later moved to Caldwell where Wilford continued farming until he retired.
Naomi worked as a district manager for the Idaho Statesman for a number of years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Nampa First Church of the Nazarene. Her most enjoyable days were spending time with her family, loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a love that knew no boundaries.
Naomi is survived by a son, John Walker, of New York Mills, MN; two daughters: Tamee (Richard) Mark and Debi (John) Van Manen, both of Nampa; two brothers: Jim (Janet) May, of Jerome, and Harold "Tag" (Virginia) May, of Enumclaw, WA; sister, Geraldine Valline, of Seattle, WA; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
Naomi was preceded in death by her husband in 2000; seven sisters, three brothers, and one granddaughter.
Our family extends grateful appreciation to the wonderful and loving administrator and staff at Grace Assisted Living for the wonderful care given to our mother during her time at Grace. We also want to thank those who cared for our mother during her last visit to St. Alphonsus in Nampa.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Nampa Christian Schools, 439 W. Orchard, Nampa, ID 83651 or to the Northwest Nazarene University scholarship fund for needy students, 623 S. University Blvd., Nampa, ID 83686.
Published in Idaho Statesman on September 14, 2011
