Naomia Hefton (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Naomia S. Hefton, daughter of Lee Andrew and Letha Viola Caffey Vernon, was born September 17, 1916, near Phillipsburg, Missouri. She departed this life Wednesday, December 5, 2012, in Christian Health Care South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-six years, two months, and eighteen days.
On November 5, 1933, she was united in marriage to Ermel Hershel Hefton, and to this union two sons were born. Naomia and Ermel shared sixty-six years before his passing on November 8, 1999.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James Vernon; and two sisters, Geneva Steele, and Reva Vanetti.
Naomia is survived by two sons, Eugene D. “Gene” Hefton, and his wife, Marilyn, of Conway, Missouri, and Harold D. Hefton, and his wife, Nancy, of Lebanon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Mike Hefton, Tim Hefton, and his wife, Shawneen, and Sheri Bauer, and her husband, Pat; seven great-grandchildren, Justin, Erik, Allee, Shea, Spencer, Lindsey, and Nick; several nieces and nephews, including two special nieces, Jeanie and Shasta Vanetti; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was raised in Laclede County, Missouri. After she and Ermel were married, they made their home near Lebanon, until moving to Dixon, California for a few years. While in California, Naomia worked as a telephone and telegraph operator for the Bell Telephone Company. The family came back to Missouri in 1945, and made their home on their farm in the Bear Thicket community, where they lived for forty-seven years. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, Naomia worked as an operator for the United Telephone Company in Lebanon for several years. She also helped Ermel in the operation of their dairy and stock farm, and their real estate business. After retiring in 1992, Naomia and Ermel moved into Lebanon and made their home.
Naomia was converted and baptized at an early age, and united with the Liberty Freewill Baptist Church, where she was active in all phases of church work. She taught the teenage Sunday school class for ten years, and enjoyed working with youth. In 1965, Naomia and Ermel united with the First Freewill Baptist Church in Lebanon, where they were active as long as their health allowed.
She had also worked with the 4-H Clubs while the boys were young. Her family was very important to her, and she greatly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Naomia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments, and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years.
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