Naomi Jean Borders

Naomi J. Bergquist Borders passed away August 4, 2011 at the age of 88 at Laughlin Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Borders was born in Prescott, Michigan to the late David and Viola Bergquist. She married W. Emerson Borders on December 23, 1939 and they celebrated 64 years together before he passed away December 3, 2003. They lived in Marion, Michigan for most of their married life where she was employed at B.F. Goodrich, Evart Products, and finally as a real estate agent in the family owned real estate business. She, along with her husband, was an active member of the Eastern Star, she was Worthy Matron and later served as grand representative to Manitoba, Canada. She sang in the choir of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Following their retirement to Zephyrhills, Florida, she continued to be active in the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church there.

In July 2004 she moved to Greeneville, Tennessee to make her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Kenn and Judy Carpenter. She was a member of Reformation Lutheran Church of Greeneville. In May of 2008, she moved to Morning Pointe Assisted Living where she enjoyed playing the piano and singing in the choir. In March of 2011, she moved to Laughlin Health Care Center in Greeneville.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers: Evart, Harold, Lloyd, Ralph, and James Bergquist.

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law: James and Sharon Borders of Marion, Michigan; two daughters and sons-in-law: Kathryn and Jerry Saine of Manchester, Tennessee and Judy and Kenn Carpenter of Greeneville, Tennessee; nine grandchildren and spouses: Travis (Rachel) Saine, Erin Saine (Ray) Terry, both of Tennessee, Lori Borders(Kean) Clark, Lynn Borders (Chad) Jenema, Todd (Susan) Borders, Kristy Borders Ellsworth, Ashley Borders (Scott) Grady, all of Michigan, Brent (Libby) Carpenter of Virginia, Lisa Carpenter (Edward) Huddleston of Kentucky; eighteen great grandchildren; sister: Gilda Bergquist Cook of Mt. Pleasant; sister-in-law: Dorothea Bergquist of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; as well as several nieces and nephews and many special friends.

Mrs. Borders will be cremated. Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. There will be no formal visitation. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 4 in Marion, Michigan. Her cremains will be buried there in Greenwood Cemetery next to her husband’s. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake City Chapter 179, Eastern Star, 5135 W. Lotan Road, Lake City, MI 49651.

The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Joseph Scott and the wonderful caregivers at Morning Pointe Assisted Living, Laughlin Health Care Center, Laughlin Memorial Hospital, and Caris Hospice.