Naomi Somer

Naomi Somer, age 101, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Friday, April 26, 2024 at Avera Majestic Bluffs in Yankton.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Yankton with more information to follow. Inurnment will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Naomi was born October 17, 1922 in Winnetoon, Nebraska to Laurence and Luella (Cleveland) Jewell.  She graduated from Winnetoon High School and then obtained her Teaching Certificate at Chadron College in Chadron, NE.  Naomi taught country school near Center, NE for several years.  On July 20, 1947, she married Lawrence “L.J.” Somer in Creighton, NE.   After their marriage, they moved to Yankton where they raised their family. Naomi worked for Wynn Speece at WNAX, then Marek Motors Hudson Garage until her children were born.  When the children were grown, Naomi worked as a secretary for First United Methodist Church, Webster Elementary Schools and Yankton Middle School.  She retired in 1975.

Naomi was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Yankton and also active with the United Methodist Women.  She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Jaycees, served as a volunteer in the gift shop at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and delivered Meals on Wheels.   Naomi loved watching baseball and was a huge Minnesota Twins fan.  She was always very supportive of her children in all of their activities and rarely, if ever, missed a game or an event.  Above all, Naomi loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Naomi is survived by two children, Sandra (Darrell) Templeton of Middletown, OH and Hal (Cindy) Somer of Yankton; seven grandchildren: Jody (Sheryll) Templeton, Ryan (Kristin) Templeton, Jason (Jessica) Templeton, Robin Templeton-Ressler (Brian), Tara (Andrew) Newcomb, Bryce (Sarah) Somer and Rebecca (Jason) Palu; 12 great-grandchildren; three nephews and two nieces.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents; husband, L.J. on April 5, 2012; great grandson, Landon; one brother and sister-in-law, Keith (Ann) Jewell; and two nephews.