Naomi Ruth Jensen

Naomi Ruth Jensen was born on March 29th 1935, the daughter of Jennings and Verna Jensen in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. She was raised in northern Minnesota’s farmland, and at a very young age developed a love for the piano and a musical ability that featured prominently throughout her life. She generously shared her immense musical gift with others, and humbly used it as an effective testimonial of her deep love of the Lord, playing piano in church and singing on the radio as part of her father’s radio show.

Naomi attended Trinity College in Chicago, Moorhead State in Minnesota, Kearney State in Nebraska, and North Dakota State University. Her teaching career began in Nebraska and, after moving to California, she spent the majority of her career with the McFarland School District teaching Elementary and Middle School students. Naomi was an effective and well-respected teacher, with a tremendously caring touch and an equally impressive capacity for classroom control, using only a raised eyebrow to silence an entire classroom of children.

Naomi attended the McFarland Church of the Brethren (later known as the Church of the Living Saviour) and for over 40 years served in various musical capacities, including pianist, accompanist, vocalist and choir director. She could play well over a hundred hymns on the piano from memory. Her musical abilities influenced many people and spanned several generations of congregants.

When she wasn’t working or playing music in church, Naomi enjoyed reading, as well as needlework, canning fruit, puzzles, crosswords, letter writing and volunteering. In addition, she also gave piano lessons. Naomi was the “rock” of her family and helped guide and support nearly all of her family members through times thick and thin.

Naomi is survived by her sisters, Claudia Stoopes, Esther Watson and husband Patrick Watson, Gwen Torkelson and husband Rolf Torkelson, sister-in-law Susan Jensen, and nieces and nephews: Jennifer Stoopes, Nathan Stoopes, Jill Deister, Adam Watson, Aaron Jensen, Susan Stoopes, Samuel Hackman, Amy Braslis, Carol Stoopes, Holly Jensen, Jessica Shields. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul Jensen, and brother-in-law Michael Stoopes.

Naomi Jensen died on Friday August 7, 2020 in Bakersfield, CA at the age of 85 years, four months and five days.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite musical charity.