Naomi Perry

Naomi Perry passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 21, 2020.

Naomi was born in Utah in 1919 to Nathan George and Cleo Clark. She was the fifth of 13 children.

Naomi graduated from Davis County High School in 1938. Upon graduation, she attended Dixie College in St. George, Utah and completed her education in 1942 at Brigham Young University (BYU), Provo, Utah. She received a Bachelor of Science in home economics and a teaching certificate.

While at BYU, she met and fell in love with Tom Perry from Kalispell. After graduation, Naomi traveled by train and joined him in Wilmington, Delaware where he was serving with the Army Air Corps as a second lieutenant. They were married on June 20, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland.

At the conclusion of World War II, Naomi and Thomas moved to the Flathead Valley and raised five children. Naomi began teaching home economics in Kalispell’s junior high school. She taught for 22 years from 1959 to 1981. Naomi believed she could improve the world by teaching young women and men good manners and practical home making skills.

Many of Naomi’s former home economic students remember “what a kind, patient teacher she was.” They also remember some of the lessons she taught, including how to properly make a bed, how to make and mend clothes, and cook white sauce. She also taught the importance of keeping a list of tasks to accomplish. “Without a list,” she warned, “one will go through life listless.”

Naomi was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She cherished her membership in the church and enjoyed serving others, including the needy and sick in the church and community. She served in multitude of church callings and was involved in countless church and community service projects. From 1992-1994, Naomi and Thomas served as full-time missionaries in the Brisbane, Australia mission. They loved serving and teaching the people of Australia.

Last December, as Naomi approached her 100th birthday, she spoke often of her bounteous blessings including her family, her life, her faith, and her career. She was happy to be able to live at home and deeply appreciated family members and others who lovingly cared for her and made it possible for her to remain at home through the end of her life.

Naomi attributed her long life to being kind, respecting others, praying, and living a good clean life. She had a quick wit and a sweet sense of humor throughout her life. She occasionally commented, “If you live long enough, you’re going to get old.” She was right!

Naomi is survived by her five children: Mary Lou Hartman (Wallace), Susan Herron (Clark), Thomas Perry (Ann), Janice Gifford (Milton), and Pamela Kron (Gordon). Naomi is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren; and three of her 12 brothers and sisters (Clella, Afton, and George, Jr.)

Naomi was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Perry; a stillborn son, James; a granddaughter, Sonya Lynn; her parents, five brothers and four sisters.

A private family service for Naomi was held at Fairview Cemetery.